UK PM says Channel migrants are 'changing tactics'

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed the changing tactics of asylum seekers arriving from France via small boats on Friday, acknowledging a 42% decrease in crossings this year compared to the previous year. On Wednesday, a record 781 people successfully crossed the Channel, though overall numbers remain below those of previous years.

Burnham stated that authorities will relentlessly pursue smugglers despite changes in tactics, and responded to protests led by far-right activist Daniel Thomas, who organized demonstrations to block migrant entries at various ports. Thomas faced charges for criminal damage related to slashing a dinghy. Burnham acknowledged public concerns over immigration but emphasized that this was not a reflection of the British way of life.

He attributed the decrease in crossings to the loss of collaboration with neighboring countries since Britain's Brexit exit from the EU in 2020 and affirmed that efforts to curb irregular migration were working. Burnham, who took office in July after Keir Starmer resigned, vowed to continue efforts to end small boat crossings, though he did not provide a specific timeline for such an outcome.

The Labour Party, set to hold its first annual conference with Burnham at the helm, will seek more concrete policy outlines following optimistic polls.