Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has launched a scathing attack on the Conservative government, accusing them of losing control over Channel crossings. Speaking at a Labour conference, Cooper condemned the Tories' handling of the crisis, labelling it a "complete failure" of policy and leadership.
"The government has had years to address this issue, yet crossings continue to rise, putting lives at risk and undermining border security," Cooper stated. She emphasised Labour’s commitment to stronger enforcement and international cooperation to tackle people smuggling networks.
Labour’s Alternative Plan
Cooper outlined Labour’s proposed measures, which include:
- Increased cooperation with European partners to disrupt trafficking gangs.
- Faster processing of asylum claims to reduce backlog and detention costs.
- Investment in border technology to detect and prevent illegal crossings.
She criticised the Conservatives for "empty rhetoric" and "last-minute deals" that fail to address the root causes of the crisis.
Government Response
In response, a government spokesperson defended their record, citing recent agreements with France and increased patrols in the Channel. However, Labour argues these measures are insufficient, with Cooper accusing ministers of "passing the buck" rather than taking responsibility.
The debate comes as latest figures show a rise in small boat arrivals, reigniting political tensions over immigration policy ahead of the next general election.
