UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks on Thursday, agreeing to intensify efforts to prevent people from reaching the UK in small boats. The leaders acknowledged progress in reducing Channel crossings but stated a need to go further.
This year, Channel crossings from France to the UK have reportedly dropped by over 40% compared to the same period last year. Despite this, the UK government is increasing measures, including the use of surveillance drones and more French officers to address dinghy launches.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to remain “relentless” in this effort. The government states its aim is to “prevent smugglers exploiting vulnerable migrants.”
Newly released data indicates that the number of irregular arrivals to Europe has significantly decreased in the last year. The UK ranks 16th in Europe per head of population for asylum claims. A majority of asylum seekers do not arrive in small boats, with 41% already in the UK with a visa or other leave, and 20% arriving via other routes, such as lorries.
Home Office data shows that individuals arriving in small boats predominantly come from war and conflict zones, including Eritreans, Afghans, Iranians, and Sudanese.