Labour Blames Conservatives for Illegal Migrants Coming to the UK After Being Accused of Disrespecting British People

The Conservatives have accused Labour of disrespecting “the British people” after a 29% rise in migrant arrivals this year compared to last year, sparking a heated political debate.

Between July 5 and December 31, 23,242 people arrived in the UK on small boats, a significant increase from 18,004 during the same period in 2022. The rise has led to sharp criticism from the Tories, who argue Labour’s policies are to blame.

The Home Office claims progress is being made in reducing crossings. Officials highlight the record 88 “red days” this year—calm weather conditions that smugglers exploit—but note 10,000 fewer arrivals compared to 2022, suggesting improved disruption of smuggling operations.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp attributed the increase to Labour’s decision to scrap the Rwanda deportation scheme. He stated:

“Labour has failed on illegal immigration. Numbers have surged, with over three times more crossings in December compared to last year. This is a betrayal of the British people. The decision to cancel the Rwanda plan was a huge mistake, as evidence shows such schemes reduce crossings—just as Australia proved a decade ago.”

Philp called for immediate action, urging the government to implement deterrent policies similar to Australia’s, which he said could stop migrants from attempting the dangerous journey.

Labour argues the Conservative government failed to secure borders during its time in power. A Labour spokesperson criticized the Rwanda scheme as an expensive distraction, noting it cost £700 million but sent only four people to Rwanda.

Labour is instead prioritizing cracking down on smuggling gangs, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper focusing on dismantling criminal networks and improving international cooperation.

The government plans to introduce tougher measures, including extending counter-terrorism powers to immigration crime. This could involve bugging smugglers’ phones, tracing movements, and freezing bank accounts. Labour has also pledged to invest £150 million in a new Border Security Command to tackle these issues head-on.

This year has been the deadliest on record for Channel crossings, with at least 76 lives lost. Labour accuses the Conservatives of neglecting border security, allowing smuggling operations to flourish. Meanwhile, the Tories insist Labour’s approach is misguided and ineffective.

Both parties remain deeply divided on how to address the crisis, as the debate over migration policy continues to dominate UK politics.