United States President Donald Trump has urged British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take firm action against illegal migration, warning that the issue is “killing” the United Kingdom.
Speaking to GB News on Wednesday, Trump said Burnham would eventually have to address immigration, despite what he described as an initial reluctance by the new prime minister to make the issue a priority.
Trump argued that migrants were arriving in Britain from different parts of the world and described the situation as an “invasion of Europe,” with the UK among the countries most affected. GB News reported that more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel into Britain on Wednesday.
The arrivals reportedly followed the launch of 11 small boats by people smugglers from locations along the French and Belgian coastlines, with some departures traced to beaches stretching towards the French port of Dieppe.
The comments came as Burnham’s government faced continued questions over its approach to asylum accommodation and the use of hotels to house asylum seekers.
Downing Street said earlier in the week that work on the issue was continuing under the Home Secretary, with no change announced to the government’s current position.
Home Office figures cited by GB News showed that 172 people crossed the Channel during Burnham’s first week in office, followed by 366 the next day and another 103 on Friday.
Trump also spoke positively about his early dealings with Burnham, saying the new British leader had a “big job” ahead of him. The two leaders spoke by telephone shortly after Burnham took office on July 20, with the British government confirming that the conversation took place. (GOV.UK)
Relations between Washington and London have remained broadly stable during Burnham’s opening days as prime minister, although differences over North Sea oil drilling have emerged.
Trump has repeatedly encouraged the UK government to expand North Sea oil production, arguing that greater drilling could significantly strengthen Britain’s economy. Recent reports said the issue could become an area of disagreement between the two governments. (The Times)
Trump’s migration comments add pressure on Burnham as his new administration prepares to set out its response to one of Britain’s most politically sensitive issues.
This version is structured for a Nigerian online news publication, with the wording tightened and potentially misleading phrasing removed.
