Prime Minister Burnham has publicly committed to a "relentless" approach regarding the issue of small boat crossings into the UK. The government’s strategy, as outlined by the Prime Minister, focuses on a dual-track policy: increasing enforcement measures to deter illegal crossings while simultaneously developing more safe and legal routes for asylum seekers to enter the country.

This announcement signals a shift toward addressing both the security concerns associated with border control and the humanitarian challenges faced by those attempting the journey. While the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a firm hand in stopping the boats, the inclusion of safe routes suggests an acknowledgment that enforcement alone may not resolve the underlying pressures driving the migration. The government has not yet provided specific details on how these new safe routes will be structured or how the increased enforcement will be implemented in practice. The policy remains a central pillar of the current administration's domestic agenda, reflecting the ongoing political pressure to manage the UK's borders effectively.