Prime Minister Andy Burnham attributes the sharp rise in small boat arrivals to the UK’s departure from the European Union, citing lost return agreements.
Prime Minister blames Brexit for boat crossings
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on Monday 2026-10-26 that the UK’s departure from the European Union is the primary cause of the escalating number of small boat arrivals. He argued that Brexit has left the nation with “weaker control” over its borders.
Burnham explicitly said that crossings have continued to increase because migrants now realise they cannot be forcibly returned in the same manner as before.
He noted, “The reason the small boats crisis has arisen is because we can’t return people, and people know we can’t do that in the same way we used to be able to.”
He further detailed that leaving the EU resulted in Britain losing access to critical shared tracking systems. These systems were previously vital for intelligence gathering and coordinated responses across European borders.
Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted the forfeiture of established deportation deals that were once integral to the UK’s immigration enforcement capabilities. These agreements allowed for the legal return of individuals to EU member states.
The reason the small boats crisis has arisen is because we can’t return people, and people know we can’t do that in the same way we used to be able to.
Migrant crossings and policy shifts
- More than 200,000 migrants have arrived in the UK via small boats since comprehensive data collection began in January 2018.
- The peak year for these arrivals was 2022, when 45,774 individuals successfully crossed the Channel, marking a record number of crossings.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham has publicly expressed a personal aspiration to see Britain rejoin the European Union within his lifetime, though he states the public will decide.
- Burnham specifically attributed the rise in crossings to the UK’s inability to return people and the loss of shared tracking systems and deportation deals post-Brexit.
- Reports indicate that the UK government is currently engaged in discussions with the EU, exploring options for closer alignment, which could potentially include a return to free movement arrangements.
UK’s previous return agreements
Before leaving the European Union, the UK participated in various agreements that facilitated the return of migrants to EU member states. These arrangements were part of a broader framework of cooperation on justice and home affairs.
The Dublin Regulation, for instance, allowed for asylum seekers to be returned to the first EU country they entered. This system provided a clear legal basis for managing cross-border migration flows and sharing responsibility.
The loss of these formal mechanisms after Brexit has created a vacuum. The Prime Minister’s comments suggest this absence directly impacts the UK’s current capacity to deport individuals who arrive via irregular routes.
Border control capabilities are affected
The stated inability to return people as before directly impacts the UK’s border control capabilities and its wider immigration policy. Without effective return mechanisms, the government faces significant challenges in deterring irregular migration.
Losing access to shared tracking systems means a reduction in intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts with European partners. This can hinder the early detection and interception of small boats before they reach British waters.
The ongoing talks with the EU about closer alignment, including potential free movement, signal a possible shift in the UK’s post-Brexit stance. Any new agreement would have significant implications for future immigration policy.
Details of UK-EU alignment talks
The most pressing question is what specific forms of “closer alignment” the UK and EU are discussing, and what concessions each side might be willing to make.
- Are these talks focused solely on migration, or do they encompass broader economic and political cooperation?
- What are the red lines for both sides, particularly concerning the potential return to free movement, and how would this be reconciled with the public’s stated will?
- Will any new arrangements include a mechanism for returning migrants, similar to those lost post-Brexit?
Post-Brexit operational challenges
The challenges in managing small boat arrivals reflect a broader pattern of operational difficulties experienced by the UK since leaving the European Union. Various sectors have faced new complexities in areas previously governed by EU frameworks.
For example, businesses have reported increased customs checks and administrative burdens on trade with the EU. This mirrors the loss of seamless data sharing and cooperation cited by Prime Minister Burnham in the context of migration.
The debate over rejoining the bloc, even partially, indicates a growing recognition that some post-Brexit arrangements may not be delivering the intended benefits. This is a recurring theme across different policy domains.
UK must balance control with cooperation
Prime Minister Burnham’s assessment that Brexit is responsible for the small boat crisis is a direct challenge to the narrative of enhanced border control post-EU departure. His argument highlights the practical costs of severing established international agreements.
The UK cannot effectively manage irregular migration in isolation; border security is inherently a collaborative endeavour. While sovereignty was a key driver for Brexit, the current situation suggests that some degree of cooperation is essential for practical governance.
Moving forward, the government must prioritise re-establishing functional return agreements and intelligence-sharing protocols with European partners. This requires a pragmatic approach that balances national control with the undeniable need for international collaboration on shared challenges.
Outcomes of EU discussions
The immediate focus will be on the progress and outcomes of the reported talks between the UK and the European Union, which could redefine future relations.
- Any announcements regarding new agreements on migration, border security, or free movement will be closely scrutinised by politicians and the public.
- The public’s reaction to potential shifts in policy, especially concerning free movement, will also be a key indicator of future political direction.
