Nigel Farage tells Andy Burnham to declare 'national security emergency' amid surge in small boat crossings

He cautioned they may "pose a genuine security threat to our nation", echoing the same concerns he had raised back in April this year.

At the time, Mr Farage said he had received intelligence from an inside source that Iranian "operatives" had been making the crossing into Britain.

"To put that in simple terms, we are importing terrorists into our country from across the English Channel," he warned.

And, now, speaking in the Commons, Mr Farage said: "The Head of MI5, Ken McCallum, yesterday revealed that there have been 50 arrests in the last year linked to Iran.

"And I have to say, this Government deserves praise. He deserves praise for prescribing the IRGC, a very, very important move.

"But every single week there are young, unidentified males from Iran coming into this country, some of whom pose a genuine security threat to our nation.

"Is it not time the Government recognised that what is going on in the English Channel is a national security emergency?"

In response, the Prime Minister acknowledge it had been a "hard time" for Mr Farage and his family after it was revealed his home was targeted in a firebomb attack in April 2025.

Joshua Kerry, who is also charged with the murder of former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe in July, has been charged with preparing a terror act against Mr Farage.

Across the despatch box, Mr Burnham said: "There was a lot we disagree on, but I defend his right to say it and I will work hard to secure his safety.

"And every member of this House. And we will involve all sides in the Lovegrove review that the Home Secretary has established on the issues related to Iran.

"Obviously, we've seen the issues at RAF Fairford recently, and they have been dealt with in the right way with the utmost seriousness by the police and security services."

He further clarified there was "much more to be done" regarding crossings - but said there was "clearly progress in the right direction".

"And the key point is, of course, we do need to get boat crossings down. I hope he would recognise that they are coming down. Removals are up," he said.

Since Mr Burnham entered No10, small boat crossings have surged as thousands take advantage of the last of the milder weather conditions in the Channel.

And, just last week it was revealed a staggering 1,739 people made the 21-mile journey to reach British borders between October 1 to October 7.

The shocking rate meant that 10 small boat migrants crossed the English Channel every hour throughout the week.

Within his first two weeks of scaling the steps to No10, some 2,000 migrants crossed the English Channel back in July.