Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. It was answered by Alex Norris (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to help reduce the volume of channel crossings.

Answer

The Government is taking decisive action to reduce Channel crossings by strengthening border security, intensifying cooperation with our international partners such as France, and targeting the criminal gangs who facilitate these dangerous journeys. We have also implemented new powers under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 including new powers to target smuggling networks and seize evidence used to facilitate crossings.

Cooperation has also been strengthened with France, including increased funding for policing, surveillance, and intelligence activity in northern France to stop boats before they launch. Joint UK-France action prevented over 22,000 attempted crossings in 2025, and the UK continues to work with international partners to disrupt smuggling networks, tackle illegal migration routes, and increase returns.

Alongside this, the Government is pursuing reforms to the asylum and returns system to reduce the incentives for dangerous illegal migration and restore order to the immigration system. More on this has been set out at this link.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15695
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Undocumented migrants English Channel
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk