Defence Secretary John Healey has criticised French authorities following the release of ‘shocking’ images showing migrants being collected by smugglers and transported to the UK ‘like a taxi service’.
Defence Secretary Blames French Authorities Over Migrant Smuggler Footage
Defence Secretary John Healey has criticised French authorities following the emergence of “shocking” images showing migrants being picked up by smugglers and transported to the UK “like a taxi service.”
Healey warned that Britain has “lost control of its borders” over the past five years, accusing the Conservative government of leaving behind a system in “chaos.” Ministers are under increasing pressure to expand safe and legal migration routes to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling prey to ruthless smugglers and undertaking perilous journeys across the Channel.
Record Number of Migrants Cross Channel in Single Day
More than 1,100 migrants arrived in the UK on Saturday after crossing the English Channel — the highest daily total so far this year, according to the latest Home Office figures. A total of 1,194 people made the journey in 18 small boats, bringing the provisional number of arrivals for the year to 14,811.
French Police Seen Observing Migrant Departures Amid Rising Crossings
French police officers were seen observing as migrants — including children — boarded small boats on a beach in Gravelines, located between Calais and Dunkirk. Authorities were later pictured escorting the vessels. French officials said they had rescued 184 people and confirmed multiple boat departures were reported that day.
John Healey: “Britain Has Lost Control of Its Borders”
“Truth is, Britain has lost control of its borders over the past five years, and the previous government left behind an asylum system in chaos, along with record levels of immigration,” said Defence Secretary John Healey.
“Yesterday highlighted a serious problem: French police are currently unable to intervene or intercept boats while they’re still in shallow waters — and we saw the consequences of that. Smugglers were able to launch from other points and circle back like a taxi service to collect migrants.”
“This is a complex issue, but one of the immediate steps we’re taking involves strengthened cooperation with the French. We’ve reached an agreement that will allow their police to intervene not just on the shore but also in the water. That change will help make a real difference to what we witnessed yesterday.”
Migrant Arrivals Surge as Government Pledges Crackdown on Small Boat Crossings
The previous record for Channel crossings this year was 825 on May 21. Saturday’s figure of 1,194 marks a significant rise, with total arrivals now 42% higher than at the same point in 2024 (10,448) and 95% higher than in 2023 (7,610).
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Government has pledged to tackle the rise in small boat crossings, including through new measures aimed at dismantling smuggling networks.
A Home Office source said: “We have developed strong cooperation with the French, and it is important that they have now agreed to disrupt these boats once they’re in the water — not just on the shore. This vital step must now be operationalised to strengthen border security and save lives.”
