A boat load of suspected migrants were brought ashore in Dover today just as Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled his new immigration crackdown.
Two Border Force vessels transferred groups to the Kent port while the PM was delivering his speech in Downing Street.
Shortly after arriving, the group was escorted onto a coach, with some individuals smiling and posing for the camera.
The timing of the landings presented a striking contrast to Starmer’s speech, in which he promised sweeping reforms to Britain’s immigration system.
Some of the suspected migrants smiled and waved for the camera
PA
The Prime Minister vowed to tighten rules across work, family, and student visa routes, describing his new approach as "controlled, selective, and fair."
Speaking from Downing Street, Starmer said: "Enforcement will be tougher than ever, and migration numbers will fall."
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Calm weather conditions appeared to aid Channel crossings throughout the day, with multiple boats arriving along the south coast.
The new measures form part of the Government’s Immigration White Paper and include a proposal to extend the citizenship application period from five to ten years for all migrants.
However, individuals making significant contributions to the UK — such as doctors and engineers — may be eligible for fast-tracked applications.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added that approximately 50,000 lower-skilled and care worker visas would be cut next year under the new rules.
According to Home Office estimates, the policy package is expected to reduce net migration by around 100,000 people annually.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has responded by blasting the immigration crackdown, and claimed it was a response to his own party's success at last weeks local elections.
Farage told GB News: "They weren't concerned before May 1 were they? Keir Starmer has spent his whole career campaigning for free movement of people wholly unconcerned about this subject, so much so that their massive parliamentary majority was gained without immigration even being one of their five main priorities.
"Now, of course, he knows that amongst the great British public, this issue rates even higher than the health service. And he's just basically playing catch up with Reform."
During the announcement, Starmer dismissed Reform as "that party", casting doubt of any threat from Farage's recent electoral success.
He claimed: "I know on a day like today, people who like politics will try to make this all about politics, about this or that strategy, targeting these voters, responding to that party.
"No. I am doing this because it is right, because it is fair and because it is what I believe in."
