Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Rishi Sunak's government, accusing it of a catastrophic failure to secure Britain's borders as the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats skyrockets.
The Labour leader's condemnation comes after the Home Office reported that more than 1,000 people made the perilous journey within just four days this week. This surge has pushed the total for 2024 past the 12,000 mark, representing a staggering 18% increase compared to the same period last year.
A Crisis of Competence
Speaking with fierce criticism, Sir Keir declared the government's flagship Rwanda deportation scheme—a policy costing taxpayers hundreds of millions—completely "dead and buried". He lambasted the Conservatives for offering nothing but empty promises and gimmicks instead of a serious, workable plan to tackle the people-smuggling gangs and manage asylum claims effectively.
"The Rwanda scheme was a colossal waste of public money," Starmer stated. "It was never a credible or ethical solution. The government is utterly defeated on this issue and has lost all authority."
The Staggering Numbers Behind the Headlines
The latest figures paint a bleak picture of a situation spiralling out of control:
- 1,000+ crossings recorded in a mere 96-hour period.
- Over 12,000 arrivals so far in 2024.
- A near 20% year-on-year increase, shattering the government's pledge to "stop the boats".
This data starkly contradicts repeated claims from ministers that their strategies are successfully deterring crossings.
France's Role Under Scrutiny
The crisis also throws a harsh spotlight on the UK's relationship with France. Despite a multi-million-pound deal signed to fund increased French patrols and security on beaches in northern France, the flow of boats departing has continued unabated. Critics argue the agreement has failed to deliver value for money and that deeper, more effective cooperation is needed.
The political fallout is immediate and severe. With the general election campaign in full swing, immigration and border security have rocketed to the top of the agenda. The Conservatives' record is under intense scrutiny, while Labour is seeking to capitalise by positioning itself as the party of competent, pragmatic governance.
As the numbers continue to climb, so does the political pressure on the Prime Minister and his Home Secretary to finally find a solution that works.
