See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 10:28 BST, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 11:11 BST, 28 July 2026
Andy Burnham today insisted 'the plan is working' on stopping small boat crossings - despite nearly 900 migrants arriving via the Channel in his first week as Prime Minister.The PM claimed the 'very rigorous' approach of Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was bringing down the number of illegal entries to Britain.He added that small-boat crossings are 'down quite significantly' compared to last year, but admitted 'there is much more to do'.Some 881 migrants arrived in the UK on small boats in the first week of Mr Burnham's premiership, according to official Home Office statistics.They arrived in a total of 13 vessels, with one 'mega-dinghy' on Thursday carrying a record 165 migrants across the Channel.Mr Burnham has been criticised for his silence on illegal migration since he became PM on July 20, with the premier having failed to mention his plans for dealing with the crisis during several public appearances.He instead focused on his commitments to lower household energy bills, cap bus fares and unveiling his 'No 10 North' site in Manchester – branded a 'gimmick' by critics – during his first days in power.Downing Street said the PM's second week in power will see him 'start the task of fixing some of the most difficult issues facing the country'. But these are only expected to include interventions on youth unemployment, social care, defence spending and economic growth.
