UK Government Faces Pressure Over Small Boat Crossings in English Channel

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasizes a step-by-step approach to tackling migration as crossings rise, sparking political debate.

Yvette Cooper stated the government has a moral responsibility to address small boat crossings but avoided committing to a timeline for reducing arrivals.
Thursday marked the busiest December day for small boat crossings, with 609 arrivals, contributing to a 20% increase compared to last year.
Cooper highlighted international collaboration, including agreements with Germany and Italy, as key to targeting smugglers and reducing crossings.
Conservative critics blamed Labour's scrapping of the Rwanda deterrent scheme for the rise in crossings and called for stronger measures.
A new cross-government unit has been established to enhance coordination on migration and prioritize reducing boat crossings and increasing returns.