UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to be 'relentless' in tackling small boat crossings in the Channel, following a crisis in which an estimated 50,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory of Ceuta.
Key facts
- Andy Burnham said the UK will be 'relentless' in tackling small boat crossings in the Channel.
- He made the comments during a visit to Dover.
- An estimated 50,000 people entered Spain's north African territory of Ceuta last week.
- Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez assured Burnham that around 98% of those who entered Ceuta have been returned to Morocco.
- Burnham said 'safe routes' for refugees are necessary to tackle trafficking gangs.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said his government will be “relentless” in tackling small boat crossings in the Channel, following a migration crisis in the Spanish territory of Ceuta. Speaking during a visit to Dover, Burnham said the UK needs to “bring back that control”, according to the Guardian.
The pledge comes after tens of thousands of migrants entered Ceuta, a Spanish territory in north Africa. Burnham said he had been assured by the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, that approximately 98% of the estimated 50,000 people who entered the territory last week have now been returned to Morocco.
While emphasising a tough approach to crossings, Burnham also said that “safe routes” for refugees were necessary in order to tackle trafficking gangs, according to the Guardian. He framed the two elements as connected parts of the response to irregular migration.
Al Jazeera reported that Burnham said his government would be “relentless” specifically in tackling small boat crossings across the Channel, echoing the language used during his Dover visit.
The remarks link developments in Ceuta, where Spain reported large numbers of arrivals, with the UK’s own challenges over Channel crossings. Burnham’s comments position the government’s approach as combining enforcement with the provision of legal pathways for those seeking refuge.
Why it matters
Small boat crossings in the Channel remain a central and contentious issue in UK politics, affecting government policy and public debate. Burnham's dual message of enforcement alongside safe routes signals how his government intends to balance border control with obligations toward refugees.
Frequently asked questions
What did Andy Burnham say about small boat crossings?
Burnham said his government would be 'relentless' in tackling small boat crossings in the Channel and that the UK needs to 'bring back that control', while also stressing that safe routes for refugees are necessary to tackle trafficking gangs.
What happened in Ceuta?
An estimated 50,000 people entered Spain's north African territory of Ceuta last week. Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez assured Burnham that approximately 98% of them have now been returned to Morocco.
Where did Burnham make these comments?
He made the comments during a visit to Dover, according to the Guardian.