The armed forces can help solve the migrant crisis

It has been clear for some time that dealing with illegal migration is a political imperative.

- 

As has often been pointed out, the numbers of people seeking asylum by irregular routes, principally by crossing the English Channel in small boats, are high by historical standards, even if modest in relation to overall, lawful flows in and out of the UK.

The rise of Reform UK and recent sizeable demonstrations against migration may be largely attributed to a sense of public unease about the issue. It is corrosive. Democratic politicians have to face up to the political and practical challenge this represents, not only by countering extremist propaganda, myths and misinformation, but also by showing the public that some progress is being made to stabilise the situation.

"Delivery" is essential - and non-negotiable. When so many ministers across both mainstream parties have promised and failed to "stop the boats", that is no mere routine public policy failure; it is eroding the confidence of some in the democratic political process itself. That is obviously a dangerous trend. It is certainly not an exaggeration to say that the future of the Labour government depends on its response.

The recent appointment of a new home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, with a completely new ministerial team, is a clear sign that Sir Keir Starmer appreciates the jeopardy his government and his premiership are in, let alone the need to protect public order from periodic threats of unrest.

Ms Mahmood has said that she "will robustly defend the British public's priorities in any court - and I will do whatever it takes to secure our border". Plain-spoken, in the Commons, she has condemned her Conservative predecessors for doing "sod all" to get a grip on the situation. She certainly brings energy, determination and a seldom-seen sense of urgency to her task.

She will need it.