Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claims that immigration policies are improving, citing a 30% increase in the return of failed asylum seekers and efforts to control the system inherited from previous governments.

Enforced returns have increased by 25% year-on-year, but only 4% of small boat arrivals since 2018 have been deported, indicating a low rate of removal relative to the number of arrivals.

Some political figures, including Lord Blunkett, suggest that the government needs to adopt more radical measures, such as suspending parts of the European Convention on Human Rights and the UN Refugee Convention, to manage the crisis, though Labour leader Starmer has not endorsed these ideas.

The UK is experiencing a record surge in asylum applications, with over 111,000 claims in the year to June 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year and surpassing the 2002 record of 103,000.

As a result of this surge, more than 32,000 asylum seekers are currently housed in hotels, which is an 8% rise from last year, though this is still 43% lower than the peak of 56,042 in September 2023.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting criticism over the handling of the small boats crisis and the management of asylum hotels, amid protests and public dissatisfaction, with a recent YouGov poll showing 71% of voters disapprove of his approach.

The political pressure is compounded by the populist Reform Party leading in polls with a platform advocating for the deportation of 'illegal immigrants,' which increases pressure on Starmer to address immigration more aggressively.

Despite efforts to improve the system, delays in asylum appeal decisions now average 53 weeks, contributing to prolonged hotel stays and high costs, prompting proposals for a new appeals process with independent adjudicators.

The UK government has implemented measures to expedite asylum appeals and deport those without legal rights, but critics argue these are insufficient and lack a clear narrative, especially as enforcement and deportation rates remain low.

The number of arrivals on small boats crossing the English Channel has increased by 38% in the same period, with over 28,000 crossings recorded in the first half of 2025, a 46% rise compared to 2024.

Voters now regard immigration as the top national concern, with over 27,000 arrivals this year and 37% of the public rating it as the most important issue, surpassing the economy and health services.

Legal actions have been taken in response to protests, including a court injunction preventing asylum seekers from being housed in hotels following a sexual assault incident, with other councils considering similar measures.