Prime Minister Andy Burnham blamed Brexit for reducing cooperation with European neighbours, making it harder to stop migrants crossing the Channel in small boats. He nevertheless insisted the Government would continue working to eliminate crossings and ruled out an early general election before 2029.

More than 700 people arrived on one Wednesday, while two boats reached Britain undetected over two days. However, this year’s total of 18,609 crossings is 42% lower than at the same point last year and 26% below 2024; Burnham also said smugglers were changing launch tactics and criticised masked anti-migrant protesters for intimidating police and the public.