GB News halted for major breaking news as Keir Starmer's migrant crisis escalates

Keir Starmer suffered another embarrassing setback as GB News interrupted its regular programming for a breaking news alert. Presenter Nana Akua broke the news that the illegal migrant crisis has reached a "major milestone" as over 35,000 migrants have crossed the Channel illegally in 2025. She told viewers: "Breaking news. The small boats crisis has reached a major milestone today as more than 35,000 migrants have now crossed the Channel illegally this year alone.

"GB News can exclusively reveal that at least 750 migrants made the crossing from France so far on Wednesday. It is just utterly ridiculous." Wednesday's arrivals have brought the total number of migrants who have crossed the Channel this year to 35,150, according to GB News. The total now stands at 35,150, which is just over 1,500 short of the number of migrants who arrived in the UK throughout the whole of last year.

Reacting to the continued arrivals, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "These small boat crossings are utterly unacceptable and the vile people-smugglers behind them are wreaking havoc on our borders.

"Thanks to our deal with France, people crossing in small boats can be detained and the first removals have now begun.

"Protecting the UK border is my priority as Home Secretary and I will explore all options to restore order to our immigration system."

This is a new blow for Keir Starmer, following news that one of his longest-serving aides has stepped down.

Muneera Lula, a special adviser on policy who previously worked under former Deputy PM Angela Rayner, handed in her resignation to Number 10 this week.

Lula, who joined Labour in 2021, was among a group of special advisers personally loyal to Starmer. Her departure, reported by The Times' chief political commentator Patrick Maguire, marks another significant loss for the Prime Minister's inner circle.

Lula played a significant role in crafting Labour's manifesto for the 2024 general election.

"Yet another long-time loyalist leaving must have others in the building wondering who is next," one inside source told Mr Maguire.

"Women and equalities was in terrible shape when she took over and she calmed down an extremely dangerous political area for Morgan [McSweeney]... Keir must be gutted," another said.