Gbnews presenter Matt Goodwin expressed outrage over the record number of illegal migrant crossings that occurred during the Christmas period. Between December 25th and 28th, over 1,500 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats, marking the busiest festive period for such crossings since records began in 2018.
Goodwin described the situation as the “number one issue” in Britain, criticizing the Labour government for its perceived inability to address the crisis effectively. He stated:
“A country that cannot protect its borders is not a serious country. British taxpayers deserve better than this chaotic system that prioritizes external crises and courts over its own people.”
The recent surge brings the total number of small boat crossings to nearly 36,000 for 2024 and over 150,000 since 2018. The human cost is alarming, with at least 77 migrants reported dead or missing in the Channel this year—making it the deadliest year on record.
The economic burden on taxpayers is equally significant. Goodwin highlighted figures showing the UK spends £5.4 billion annually on the asylum system, amounting to an estimated £18 billion since 2018.
“We’re cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners to save £1.5 billion while spending billions on this crisis. It’s unsustainable and unfair,” Goodwin said.
Goodwin criticized Labour’s immigration strategy, describing it as “riddled with flaws” and ineffective at deterring crossings. He pointed to the high approval rate of asylum applications—approximately two-thirds—as a key issue, suggesting it sends a dangerous message:
“This creates an incentive for others to make the dangerous journey, knowing their chances of staying are high. On top of that, we provide cash cards, smartphones, and access to public services, making Britain an attractive destination.”
Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle defended the government’s approach, claiming it was working to reduce the backlog and increase returns:
“The net number of people staying in the UK is lower now than in recent years. Labour is committed to processing claims faster, returning people who don’t qualify, and reducing the overall cost of the system.”
However, Goodwin pushed back, stating that the lack of a strong deterrent was fueling the crisis:
“Deterrents like the Rwanda plan had some impact—migrants fled to Ireland to avoid it. Yet Labour scrapped it and softened laws, making illegal entry easier than ever.”
Goodwin and the panel discussed potential solutions to address the crisis. Russell-Moyle suggested creating processing centers in France to screen asylum seekers before they cross the Channel. He argued this would allow genuine refugees to be identified while preventing dangerous crossings.
Political commentator Alex Armstrong called for tougher measures:
“We need to send these boats back to France. No one should be allowed to break the law to enter our country, especially when British citizens are struggling. Labour’s policies are enabling this crisis, not solving it.”
