By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-07-25 12:14:39 | Updated at 2026-07-25 13:40:55
1 hour ago
More than three in five Britons believe Andy Burnham cannot put a stop to the small boats, new polling has revealed.
In his first days in the role, the new Prime Minister is already facing pressure to tackle the scaling issue of mass illegal migration while hundreds of migrants cross the Channel.
On Wednesday, the second ever mega-dinghy made the perilous 21-mile journey from northern France, packed with 165 illegal migrants.
Now, latest polling from Merlin Strategy from July 22 to July 24 has proved that a measly 18 per cent back Mr Burnham's bid to stop the boats.
Meanwhile, some 61 per cent believe the Labour leader will be unable to manage the same feat which loomed over the legacy of his predecessor.
On the subject of immigration, 22 per cent of those surveyed said Mr Burnham will be able to address the issue, while 58 per cent cast doubt on the new leader.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, migrants were spotted chasing to boat a large boat at Equihen-Plage near Boulogne-sur-Mer along northern shores of France.
Then, on Thursday, a record 165 migrants made the crossing in a single boat.
The second ever mega dinghy entered the English Channel
The number has surpassed the past July record when 128 made the crossing in just one boat.
As big as a bus, the vessel came to around 13m (42ft) long.
Refugee charity Care4Calais warned route is becoming "more and more dangerous" thanks to the number of migrants being balanced on each boat.
Sydney Sopher, chief operations officer, said: "The UK and French Governments have spent years focusing on border security and enforcement, yet all they’ve achieved is to make Channel crossings more and more dangerous."
Andy Burnham chaired his first Cabinet meeting this week
GETTY
Home Office data show that 366 people reached British shores after being bundled onto three boats over the past few days.
A Home Office spokesman said: "Smuggling gangs are taking greater risks than ever with the number of people they are cramming into unseaworthy boats rising year on year.
"This crossing serves as a stark reminder that criminal gangs have no regard for the safety of those they claim to help – the reality is clear and lives are being lost in the Channel as a result.
"This is exactly why we have signed a new deal with the French to prevent these perilous journeys by boosting enforcement action on beaches, building on the over 45,000 attempted crossings stopped since the election."
Upon entering No10, Mr Burnham told his Cabinet his team would be a "cost-of-living Government" while steering clear of statements surrounding the small boats crisis.
Still, the survey said that 44 per cent believe the "King of the North" can cut the cost of living, while some 37 per cent back the Prime Minister to make the change.
In his first week, the Prime Minister released a policy blitz addressing energy, transport and cuts to businesses.
Today, he set up No10 North in Manchester where ministers Angela Rayner, Lucy Powell and Louise Haigh, as well as hundreds of civil servants, will be based.
