'WEAK' LABOUR'S 'DAY OF SHAME' ON MIGRANT FIGURES

RECORD numbers are claiming asylum under Labour yet fewer illegal arrivals are being deported, shocking figures have revealed.

- By Michael Knowles and Katie Harris

On a “day of shame” for Sir Keir Starmer’s party, it also emerged more migrants are living in taxpayer-funded hotel rooms. The Government's £4.7billion crisis has seen the number claiming asylum hit 111,084 during Labour’s first year in office.

And 32,059 migrants are staying in hotels after a surge in small boat arrivals - up 8% compared to when Sir Keir came to power last year.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp blasted: “This is a day of shame for the Government. Their weakness has led to a complete collapse of border control. The public are sick of being let down by Labour and are at their wits' end.”

This year has been the worst on record for Channel crossings. Nearly 28,000 people have arrived on small boats since January — up 47% compared to 2024.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, writing in today’s Daily Express, declared: “Britain has become a magnet for illegal immigration and a playground for people smugglers. The truth on asylum hotels is just as damning.

“Arrivals are up, asylum hotels are bursting, billions are being wasted, crime is climbing and it’s our local communities who are carrying the burden.