Andy Burnham blames Brexit for Britain's migrant crisis

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Andy Burnham blames Brexit for Britain's migrant crisis Athena Stavrou Monday 26 October 2026 13:26 GMT Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover I want to see the UK to rejoin the EU in my lifetime, Burnham says Andy Burnham has blamed Brexit for Britain's migrant crisis, arguing that leaving the European Union resulted in “weaker control” over immigration. He said that the small boats crisis stemmed from the UK losing its ability to return migrants in the manner it previously could under EU arrangements. While expressing a desire for the UK to rejoin the EU in his lifetime, Burnham insisted he would not move ahead of public opinion or dictate the process. Burnham ruled out reintroducing EU freedom of movement without a public referendum, confirming no changes will be proposed during this parliament. More than 200,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since 2018, despite a 41 per cent drop in small boat arrivals during the first half of 2026. In full Burnham: Brexit is to blame for Britain’s small boats crisis