UK Records Highest Illegal Channel Crossings Under New Home Secretary
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has overseen 10,000 migrant arrivals in just 66 days, marking the fastest pace of illegal Channel crossings since 2022.
Context and Comparison with Predecessors
More migrants have crossed illegally during Mahmood's brief tenure than under any other home secretary since 2022, despite Labour’s commitments to tighten border controls. She surpassed her Labour predecessor Yvette Cooper's record by over a week.
The previous record was set in 2022 by Conservative Suella Braverman, who achieved the 10,000 crossings milestone in 43 days. This is notable given Braverman’s public emphasis on controlling both legal and illegal migration.
Major Highlight from the Media
The Mail described Mahmood’s efforts as “grim,” pointing out that 2,000 migrants crossed the Channel from France, a safe country, in just four days under her watch.
Additional News Highlights
- A surprise resignation within Spain’s People’s Party diverted attention from corruption trials threatening Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
- Following President Zelensky’s reform to reduce their influence, Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies exposed a significant graft scheme at a state-owned nuclear energy firm.
- Two men in their 30s carried out random attacks on an evening train Saturday night, leaving two people critically injured and fighting for their lives.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have faced scrutiny amid these developments.
Author’s summary: Shabana Mahmood’s brief tenure as UK Home Secretary has seen record illegal Channel crossings, highlighting ongoing migration challenges despite political efforts to strengthen border control.