Andy Burnham insists 'the plan is working' on stopping small boats - despite nearly 900 migrants arriving via the Channel in his first week as PM

By GREG HEFFER, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Published: 10:28, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 10:56, 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 20 July, 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 'No10 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. Andy Burnham has 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 A group of people thought to be migrants board a small boat off the coast of Equihen-Plage in France during an attempt to cross the Channel last Wednesday Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. During a visit to Derby on Tuesday morning, Mr Burnham was quizzed about his silence on the small boats crisis and asked whether he had a plan to tackle illegal crossings. In reply he defended the Government's approach, telling reporters: 'The Home Secretary has brought forward a very rigorous plan in relation to this. 'Let's remember, the numbers can fluctuate, but overall, boat crossings are down, down quite significantly year on year. So that does suggest that the plan is working.' Asked if he recognised that small boat crossings may represent a 'threat to national security', Mr Burnham said he wanted 'all relevant and necessary checks' to be completed.  He added: 'There have to be rigorous checks so that people are not put through into a situation where they are out without the relevant safeguards. 'And absolutely, I can give you a commitment that that is the clear instruction that I am giving. That all relevant and necessary checks must be done. 'It's about getting a grip on the entire situation. I raised this repeatedly through the Makerfield by-election. 'The public wants to see control being exerted, and while we've made progress, there is more to do, and I recognise that completely. 'But the trend is down, and the number of people being removed is up, so the figures are pointing in a better direction. But there is much more to do.' An analysis of Government data shows 77,183 migrants arrived in the UK after crossing the Channel during Sir Keir's premiership, after Labour's general election victory in July 2024. According to Home Office figures, 13,350 arrivals have been recorded this year. This is 45 per cent lower than the number recorded by this time last year and down 16 per cent on the same period in 2024.