Kier Starmer Set to Crack Down on Illegal Channel Crossings as Reform Threat Grows

Keir Starmer is planning to take a much stronger position on illegal immigration as pressure builds from both voters and the rising popularity of the Reform Party. People within the Labour Party say he will soon make several public statements and introduce new actions to show that his government is serious about stopping people from entering the UK illegally. This decision is based on feedback from party members who spent time talking to voters during the recent local election campaign. Many of them said the issue of people crossing the Channel in small boats came up again and again, and it’s something that needs to be handled better.

When Starmer was in opposition, he was very critical of the Conservative Party’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda, calling it a stunt that wouldn’t solve the problem. He also promised that if he came into power, he would take down the criminal gangs who help people cross the Channel. Since becoming Prime Minister, he has set up a new Border Security Command, but the results haven’t been encouraging. This year alone, more than 11,000 people have crossed the Channel illegally, which is 40% more than last year. Clearly, the problem is getting worse, not better.

In response to this, the government has started working on new rules. One of them would stop foreign criminals, especially sex offenders, from being able to apply for asylum in the UK. There are also discussions about making it easier and quicker to remove people who enter the country illegally. Some officials are even looking into the idea of processing asylum applications outside of the UK before the migrants ever get here.

Labour insiders say the government is also planning to tighten the rules around legal migration. One idea being considered is to limit the types of jobs that foreign students can take while they are studying in the UK, especially low-skilled roles. The goal is to reduce the number of people coming in and make sure that migration is properly controlled and not taken advantage of.

Labour MP Luke Akehurst, who represents North Durham, has spoken up in support of these plans. His local area, which had been under Labour control for 100 years, was recently lost to the Reform Party in a shocking election result. He said it’s clear that voters are deeply concerned about illegal immigration and that Labour hasn’t looked firm enough on the issue. He believes the party must now show it is serious about fixing the situation.

Akehurst also pointed out that it’s not just immigration that’s causing frustration. People are also struggling with the cost of living, and many feel like their towns and cities have been left behind for years. If Labour doesn’t step up and address those economic challenges, he said, it’s no surprise that some voters will look to other parties that promise more radical solutions.

Even though Starmer spoke after the election results and called them “disappointing,” he didn’t mention immigration directly in his response. He only said that Labour must move more quickly and deliver on its promises to bring real change to people’s lives. Still, it’s clear that immigration is now becoming a bigger issue for his government, and they know they need to act fast to keep public support.