United States President Donald Trump has urged British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take decisive action against illegal migration, warning that the issue poses a serious challenge to the United Kingdom.
Speaking to GB News on Wednesday, Trump said the British leader would eventually have to confront the immigration issue, regardless of whether it featured prominently at the start of his administration.
“He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country,” Trump said.
The US president claimed migrants were arriving in Europe from multiple regions, including Africa, South America and parts of Asia, describing the trend as an “invasion.”
“I know Starmer did very little about it, and they’re coming from all over the world.
“They’re coming from Africa. They’re coming from South America. They’re coming from different parts of Asia.
“They’re invading Europe. It’s an invasion, and the UK is a prime suspect.”
Trump made the remarks hours after reports indicated that more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel into Britain in a single day.
According to GB News, people smugglers launched 11 small boats from several locations along the French and Belgian coastline, with departures reported from beaches stretching from Belgium to the French port of Dieppe.
The broadcaster also cited Home Office figures showing continued migrant crossings during Burnham’s first week in office.
The data indicated that:
- 172 migrants crossed the Channel on Wednesday.
- 366 migrants arrived on Thursday aboard three boats.
- 103 migrants crossed on Friday.
The figures have intensified scrutiny of the new government’s approach to border security and asylum policy.
The comments come as Prime Minister Burnham’s administration continues to face questions over its plans to reduce the use of hotels for asylum seekers.
Asked earlier this week whether the government intended to close asylum hotels, a Downing Street spokesperson said work on the policy was ongoing.
“The work on that continues,” the spokesperson said, adding there had been “no change” to the Home Secretary’s ongoing review.
Trump also reflected on his early interactions with the British Prime Minister, saying Burnham inherited significant challenges after taking office.
He described a recent telephone conversation between the two leaders as positive.
“A phone call between the duo was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!”
Despite generally cordial early relations between Washington and London, the report said energy policy could become a point of friction.
Before Burnham assumed office, Trump publicly urged the UK to expand North Sea oil drilling, arguing it could significantly boost the country’s economy.
He claimed increased energy production would transform Britain economically.
Meanwhile, the report said officials in Washington have also expressed concerns over Burnham’s appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary because of his past criticism of Trump.
Even so, both governments are reportedly continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. Britain has also maintained its policy of allowing US forces to use British military bases for what officials describe as defensive operations linked to the conflict involving Iran.
Immigration remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in the UK, with English Channel crossings continuing to dominate public debate. Trump’s intervention is likely to intensify international attention on the Burnham government’s border strategy, even as British officials continue to review asylum policies and broader migration reforms….See More