Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship pledge to “smash the gangs” has taken a hammer blow. Britannia Daily can reveal that the number of migrants arriving illegally by small boats in 2025 has already surpassed the entire total for 2024 – and there’s still over two months left in the year.

The grim milestone was marked Wednesday lunchtime as two Border Force vessels docked in Dover, bringing 150 migrants to shore. This pushed the 2025 tally to a staggering 36,886 – beating last year’s 36,816 crossings.

Ministers Deeply Alarmed as Criminal Gangs Thrive

Senior maritime security insiders told Britannia Daily this early overshoot is “deeply concerning for ministers.” Traditionally, October and November see a surge in crossings. With weather permitting, thousands more migrants may still risk the treacherous Channel before winter.

Despite Starmer’s tough talk, smuggling gangs appear untouched, continuing operations with impunity. The Government’s “historic” deal with France to return small boat arrivals has resulted in just 42 deportations—an abysmal success rate that offers no real deterrent.

Home Secretary Plays Blame Game—but Figures Tell a Different Story

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood sought to pass the buck to the previous Conservative government. She said, “The previous Government left our borders in crisis, and we are still living with the consequences. These figures are shameful – the British people deserve better.”

Mahmood claimed Labour has detained and removed over 35,000 illegal residents, insisting, “I will do whatever it takes to restore order to our border.” Yet, with just 42 returns to France so far, Labour’s actions come under heavy scrutiny as immigration numbers spiral out of control.

Rwanda Scheme Scrapped, No Effective Replacement in Sight

Labour axed the Tory Rwanda deportation plan on day one, calling it “expensive, unworkable, and immoral.” Nearly six months later, no credible alternative has emerged. Balkan or other international deals remain elusive, while the French agreement barely shifts the dial.

The stark math leaves no doubt: for every migrant sent back to France, nearly 879 arrive safely on UK soil. This laughably low deportation rate fuels smugglers and desperate migrants alike.

Political Fallout Looms as Opposition Pounces

This devastating milestone hands ammunition to the Tory opposition and Reform UK. Both warn Labour has failed on its core immigration promise despite blaming previous Governments. Public frustration grows as polling consistently ranks small boat crossings as a top voter concern.

What Now for Labour’s Border Battle?

Labour’s options are tight. Without Rwanda-style offshore processing or new bilateral deals, the government might soon face hard choices between political principles and practical border control.

The reality is grim: crossings largely depend on weather conditions, not policy strength. Calm autumn seas may push 2025 arrivals well beyond 40,000, making it one of the worst years on record.

Starmer’s “Smash the Gangs” Promise Looks Hollow

From under 300 small boat arrivals in 2018 to nearly 37,000 so far this year, the rising tide shows no sign of ebbing. As Starmer’s rhetoric clashes with relentless crossings, Britain’s border crisis deepens.

With smugglers undeterred and migrants still pouring in, the “smash the gangs” slogan risks becoming a hollow catchphrase rather than a solution.