U.K.’s Burnham pledges ‘relentless’ focus on illegal migration
Illegal migration has been a political flash point in the U.K. and has boosted support for the far-right Reform U.K. party.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged a "relentless" approach to tackling illegal migration in the U.K. The government has significantly increased the number of crime agency officers tasked with combating human smuggling. Burnham, during a visit to the port of Dover, emphasized his commitment to addressing small-boat crossings and building upon the progress made so far.
The National Crime Agency now has nearly 800 officers dedicated to this issue, up from 376 at the beginning of 2025. Burnham acknowledged the public's concerns about the appearance of an uncontrolled border and stated that the government's goal is to restore control while also providing support for those who genuinely need assistance.
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