Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has issued a stark warning about Britain’s small boat crisis, describing it as a “huge gap” in the country’s national security.
He expressed concerns that tens of thousands of people are illegally entering the UK each year without proper checks, potentially including individuals who could pose terrorist threats. Philp accused the Labour government of having “completely lost control of the situation” and criticized its approach to tackling the issue.
Philp argued that Labour’s strategy of “smashing the gangs” behind the small boat crossings is insufficient to stop the arrivals. He claimed the government made a “huge mistake” by cancelling the Rwanda scheme, which aimed to deter illegal migration by sending asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. According to Philp, a strong deterrent is essential to dissuade people from attempting the dangerous Channel crossing, and he urged the government to reverse its decision on the Rwanda plan.
The Shadow Home Secretary also criticized France for not doing enough to prevent small boats from departing its shores. He suggested that if boats were intercepted and returned to France quickly, it would deter migrants from attempting the journey in the first place. Philp emphasized the national security risks posed by unchecked illegal immigration, stating, “People who cross the Channel illegally in small boats, we’ve got no idea who they are. They could pose terrorist threats on our soil.”
Reform UK Deputy Leader Richard Tice echoed Philp’s concerns, describing the small boat crisis as “spiralling out of control” after years of failed immigration policies. He highlighted the lack of clarity about the backgrounds and motives of those arriving by small boats, further underscoring the security risks.
However, a Home Office source hit back at Philp, accusing him of hypocrisy. They pointed out that during his time as a Home Office minister under the previous Conservative government, over 70,000 small boat arrivals were recorded, with little action taken to address the issue. The source also criticized the Conservatives’ Rwanda scheme, which cost £700 million but only resulted in four volunteers being sent to Rwanda. They defended Labour’s efforts, noting that the government has secured commitments from France to intercept small boats in shallow waters—a measure the Conservatives failed to achieve.
The small boat crisis remains a contentious issue, with over 25,000 people having crossed the Channel since Labour took office. The debate over how to effectively manage illegal immigration and secure the UK’s borders is likely to intensify as the government faces mounting pressure to address the growing challenges.
