As US border crossings fall, UK small boats hit record highs
Spectator (UK)MAR 7
BBC Investigation Exposes Channel Smuggling Gang
Above: A group of people onboard a small boat in Gravelines, France, on July 17, 2025. Image copyright: Gareth Fuller/PA Images/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Criminal smuggling gangs are exploiting desperate refugees because vulnerable people have no legal alternatives. These ruthless networks charge thousands for death-trap journeys, treating human lives as commodities. Safe routes would destroy their business model overnight, yet both the U.K. and France refuse to take action out of fear of backlash from the far-right.
Right narrative
Criminal gangs are laughing at the U.K.'s weak border measures while making millions from human trafficking. Only enforcement will destroy their business model; immediate naval turnbacks, mass detention and swift deportations will make their "service" worthless. The U.K. needs military-grade operations ensuring smuggling gangs become unprofitable through guaranteed failure rates.