Andy Burnham blames Brexit for record UK migrant arrivals

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has attributed the ongoing surge in illegal migrant crossings via the English Channel to the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. He stated that Brexit has resulted in a “loss of collaboration with neighbours,” hindering the government's ability to maintain the cooperative systems that existed previously.

The comments follow a record day for arrivals, with 781 migrants reaching British shores on a single Wednesday. While year-to-date figures for 2026 show 18,565 to 18,609 arrivals—which is lower than the same period in previous years—the recent influx represents a significant challenge for the Home Office.

In response to questions regarding the crisis, Mr. Burnham declined to set a specific deadline for ending illegal crossings, stating he would not make a promise of a particular date as previous governments have done. However, he emphasized that the government will continue working to stop the activity. Additionally, the Prime Minister ruled out the possibility of an early general election before 2029.