Border chief branded 'pathetic' for target of only halving migrants

LABOUR'S border chief was branded "pathetic" after claiming it would be a success if small boat crossings were halved within three years.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt provoked fury during an interview at the Home Office's Organised Immigration Crime Summit, after saying he wants to see a "very, very significant reduction" in UK arrivals.

But when pushed on what a successful reduction would look like, Mr Hewitt told reporters that "halving crossings" during his three-year tenure would be considered a victory.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: "This is defeatist nonsense. Australia completely stopped illegal boat crossings about 10 years ago using a removals deterrent.

"It was a catastrophic mistake to cancel the Rwanda removals deterrent before it started. So far, 2025 has been the worst year ever for crossings.

"And now the border chief is saying they're not even going to try to stop the boats completely.