Lucy Powell: No Switch to Stop Small Boat Crossings

Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, stated there is no “switch” to halt small boat crossings in the English Channel, acknowledging the complexity of addressing the issue amid recent uncontrolled landings. The comments came as the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, initiated an urgent review by Border Security Command following two incidents in Kent. Powell emphasized that while efforts to reduce small boat crossings have shown progress, “you can’t stop everything all of the time.”

The two uncontrolled landings—Folkestone and Samphire Hoe—marked the first such arrivals without escort since September 6, 2025. These incidents prompted Mahmood to call the failures “not acceptable,” ordering an immediate review. Over the past year, small boat crossings had declined significantly, with Powell citing a “mammoth task” across policy areas that had “started to bear fruit,” reducing crossings to levels significantly lower than at any time in the last six years. However, the recent spikes—particularly 781 migrants arriving in 10 boats on Wednesday, the highest in a single day for this year—highlighted ongoing challenges.

Powell reiterated Labour’s stance during interviews with BBC local radio, stating, “If we had a switch that we could switch tomorrow to stop all small boats, we would switch it.” She attributed the decline in crossings to policy measures but warned that criminal gangs adapt, seeking new routes. “Obviously as we close down some avenues and we close down routes criminal gangs look to find new ways to deliver their terrible business model,” she said. Migrants typically reach shore via Border Security Command or RNLI boats, though uncontrolled landings remain rare.

Conservative officials criticized Labour’s handling of border security, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp calling for a “radically different approach.” Philp, citing X, advocated leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to enable rapid deportations of illegal entrants, arguing that “no hotels. No benefits. No lengthy court process. No asylum claim. Just rapid removal” would deter crossings. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP countered that closer EU cooperation was essential, stating that without entering the EU’s Migration and Asylum Pact, “the smugglers will continue to find a way through.”

The debate intensified as the UK grapples with migration numbers. On Wednesday, 781 migrants arrived via small boats—a single-day high for the year. Rescue boats were deployed after a group spent over 33 hours at sea, per PA Media. The Home Secretary’s review aims to address gaps in interception, though Powell stressed that “it’s not easy” to prevent all crossings.

Political tensions underscore broader concerns about border control. The Conservatives have framed the issue as a failure of Labour’s governance, while Labour highlights its progress in reducing crossings.

Border Security Command’s failure to intercept the boats has raised questions.

Powell’s comments reflect Labour’s focus on maintaining border security and addressing root causes of migration. Meanwhile, the Conservative push to exit the ECHR aligns with their call for a radically different approach.

The situation underscores the complexity of managing cross-Channel migration, where policy, enforcement, and international cooperation intersect. As the Home Secretary's review unfolds, the political climate remains polarized, with both parties vying to present solutions.