A Labour government minister has admitted that the government cannot prevent all migrant boats from reaching British shores, following two undetected arrivals in Kent within two days. Education Secretary Lucy Powell made this statement after 21 migrants evaded Border Force to land at Samphire Hoe near Dover, with a separate boat carrying seven people reaching Folkestone the previous day. This marks the first undetected landing in over a year and has prompted Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to order an urgent review of border security procedures. The admissions have sparked criticism from the opposition, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp describing the situation as a security failure.

Lucy Powell acknowledged the operational challenge whilst maintaining that overall migrant boat arrivals are declining, citing the difficulty of monitoring all crossings despite enhanced surveillance technology and improved resources. Since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, 5,315 migrants have arrived by boat, with the 2026 total down 45 per cent compared to the same period last year. The government emphasises partnerships with France, though critics argue French authorities are not adequately preventing boats from departing. Police are separately investigating anti-migrant activist 'Danny Tommo' for allegedly damaging a migrant boat during a rescue operation.