Sir Keir Starmer has presided over the highest number of small boat migrant arrivals of any prime minister, with more than 76,000 crossing the Channel during his two-year tenure in No 10. Official figures reveal 76,598 illegal immigrants have arrived since July 4, 2024, an average of 105 per day.
Conservatives Condemn Border Failures
As Sir Keir marked his second anniversary as Prime Minister on July 5, 2026, and prepared to hand over to incoming prime minister Andy Burnham, Conservatives accused him of overseeing “a disastrous two years”. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Far from smashing the gangs, smuggling bosses are living openly in the UK and are claiming asylum. Labour have been a disaster in two years, and as the prospect of Andy Burnham rears its head over the horizon, there is little chance the situation will improve.”
Early Prisoner Releases Under Fire
Labour has also released an estimated 82,000 offenders early, after serving 40% of their sentence rather than 50%, under an emergency scheme to reduce prison overcrowding called SDS40, introduced in September 2024. That amounts to 113 prisoners freed early for every day Sir Keir has run the country. Nick Timothy, Shadow Justice Secretary, said: “It is a betrayal of victims, many of whom have not been properly informed about the release of those who have committed crimes against them.”
British Emigration Figures
More than 500,000 Brits are believed to have fled the country while Sir Keir was Prime Minister, according to a dossier published by Conservatives. It showed 251,000 British nationals emigrated in the first 12 months of the Labour Government, suggesting 502,000 over the two-year period.
Labour Defends Record
Labour paid tribute to Sir Keir on the anniversary. Anna Turley MP, chairwoman of the Labour Party, said: “The decisions we have taken have not always been easy, and we know there’s much more to do, but Labour will always do what is in the best interests of the British people. Today, the economy is growing, wages are rising, NHS waiting lists are falling, immigration is down, and Britain is moving forward once again. The most basic responsibility of any prime minister is to leave the country in a better state to which you found it. Keir Starmer can proudly say he will do just that.”
In an interview this week, Sir Keir said he would “do everything I possibly can” to help Andy Burnham win the next election. But he admitted: “Did I want it to end at this point in this way? No, I didn’t. But I accept that with good grace.”
