anxt “BREAKING: ZERO SMALL BOATS ENTER THE UK — STARMER HAILS MAHMOOD’S “HISTORIC WIN”

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In what government officials are calling a “historic weekend,” the United Kingdom recorded zero small boat crossings across the English Channel — the first time this has happened in years.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for what he described as “a turning point in border control.” Speaking from Downing Street on Sunday, Starmer said:

“This weekend proves that strong planning and international cooperation can deliver real results. Shabana’s strategy is working — and Britain is finally regaining control of its borders.”

A NEW STRATEGY DELIVERING RESULTS

Mahmood, who took over the Home Office earlier this year, has led a series of bold reforms aimed at ending illegal crossings through the Channel. Her plan includes tighter cooperation with France, enhanced drone surveillance, faster deportation processes, and stricter screening for asylum claims deemed “vexatious or last-minute.”

An internal Home Office briefing leaked last week described the results as “better than anticipated,” with daily attempts to cross the Channel reportedly falling by over 70% since early summer.

POLITICAL IMPACT

Downing Street insiders believe the “zero boats weekend” will become a symbol of Labour’s ability to deliver on immigration control — a key issue that has divided British politics for over a decade.

“This is the kind of moment that defines public confidence,” said one senior adviser. “People said it couldn’t be done. Now, the data speaks for itself.”

CRITICS WARN OF PREMATURE CELEBRATION

Opposition MPs and human rights groups have cautioned against declaring victory too soon. They argue that the drop could be due to temporary weather conditions, rather than long-term policy effects.

“The government shouldn’t turn this into a PR stunt,” said a representative from Amnesty UK. “Real success will come only when Britain builds a fair, humane asylum system.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Mahmood’s office confirmed that more measures are planned for winter, including expanded border patrol funding and a new bilateral agreement with French authorities aimed at dismantling smuggling networks.

The Prime Minister ended his statement saying, “This is not the end of the mission — but it’s the strongest signal yet that our plan is working.”