Burnham has pledged to be “relentless” in efforts to curb small boat crossings, placing renewed focus on the government’s response to people reaching the UK by that route.
The comments come as the prime minister said enforcement activity has been increased. Alongside tougher enforcement, the prime minister also said there must be more safe routes into the UK.
The issue of small boat crossings remains a prominent part of the wider debate over immigration and border policy. The source material states two linked positions: a commitment from Burnham to maintain pressure on crossings, and an acknowledgement from the prime minister that enforcement alone is not the only element of the response.
No further details were supplied on what additional enforcement measures have been increased, what form the proposed safe routes could take, or when any further changes might be announced.
The latest known position is that Burnham has promised sustained action to reduce crossings, while the prime minister has set out the need for both stronger enforcement and expanded safe routes into the UK.
