Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on the government's handling of small boat crossings in the English Channel, branding it a "shambolic failure" that has left the UK's borders in chaos.
Speaking at a press conference, Starmer accused ministers of "losing control" of the situation, with record numbers of migrants making the perilous journey across the Channel this year.
'No Plan, No Solutions'
"The government has had years to get a grip on this issue, yet all we've seen is empty promises and headline-grabbing gimmicks," Starmer said. "There's no proper plan, no long-term solutions—just a complete failure of leadership."
He highlighted the soaring costs of housing asylum seekers in hotels and the growing backlog of cases as evidence of systemic mismanagement.
Labour's Alternative Approach
Starmer outlined Labour's proposed strategy, which includes:
- Strengthening cooperation with European partners to disrupt people-smuggling networks
- Speeding up asylum processing to clear the backlog
- Investing in proper border security infrastructure
"This isn't about being tough or soft—it's about being smart and competent," he added. "The British public deserve a government that actually fixes problems rather than just talking about them."
Government Defends Record
In response, a Home Office spokesperson insisted the government was "making progress," citing recent deals with France and Albania as evidence of their "robust approach."
However, critics argue these measures have failed to significantly reduce crossings, with more than 45,000 people arriving by small boat last year alone.
The political row comes as new figures show the cost of the asylum system has surpassed £3 billion annually, putting further strain on public finances.
