### Sir Keir Starmer Faces Criticism as Record Number of Migrants Cross Channel - Recent reports indicate a significant surge in small boat crossings of the English Channel, with nearly 1,200 migrants arriving in the UK in a single day, marking the highest daily total for 2025. This influx has raised serious concerns about border control under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, with senior cabinet members acknowledging the situation as "pretty shocking" [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14769213/Keir-Starmer-control-Britain-borders-small-boat-migrants-Channel.html]. The Defence Secretary, John Healey, has publicly stated that the UK has "lost control of its borders," a sentiment echoed across various media outlets [https://metro.co.uk/2025/06/01/defence-secretary-says-uk-lost-control-borders-1-200-cross-channel-23300331]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation 1. **Record Crossings**: Over 1,100 migrants crossed the Channel on May 31, 2025, with reports indicating that the total for the year has surpassed 14,800 [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/more-1-000-migrants-cross-132412571.html]. 2. **Government Response**: The Defence Secretary has admitted to a loss of control over the borders, attributing this to a five-year trend of increasing illegal migrant arrivals [https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/01/06/2025/britain-has-lost-control-of-borders-as-illegal-migrants-surge-defense-secretary]. 3. **Political Implications**: The situation has led to accusations against Starmer's government, with critics claiming that the current administration is failing to manage the crisis effectively [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/minister-admits-britain-lost-control-110354626.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Daily Migrant Arrivals**: - May 31, 2025: Approximately 1,200 migrants crossed the Channel [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/coastguard-overloaded-migrant-rescues-send-130946370.html]. - Year-to-date total: Over 14,800 migrants have arrived in the UK via this route [https://sg.news.yahoo.com/more-1-000-migrants-cross-132412571.html]. - **Government Statements**: - Defence Secretary John Healey's remarks highlight a significant concern regarding border security, stating, "Britain has lost control of its borders" [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/britain-lost-control-borders-defence-091300890.html]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Crisis Overview**: The UK is experiencing an unprecedented surge in small boat crossings, with nearly 1,200 migrants arriving in a single day, raising alarms about border security. 2. **Government Accountability**: The Defence Secretary has openly acknowledged the loss of control over the borders, which has been a growing issue over the past five years. 3. **Political Fallout**: Sir Keir Starmer's leadership is under scrutiny as critics argue that the government is failing to address the escalating migrant crisis effectively. In conclusion, the current situation regarding Channel crossings poses significant challenges for the UK government, with implications for national security and political stability. The record number of arrivals has prompted urgent calls for a reassessment of border control policies and strategies moving forward.