Trump Commends Starmer’s Efforts to Curb Migrant Boat Crossings
- July 28, 2025
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During a meeting at Trump Turnberry golf club in Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump lauded British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stringent measures against illegal immigration via the English Channel. Trump expressed admiration for Starmer’s efforts, describing them as “fantastic.” He emphasized the importance of knowing the origins of migrants and preventing those with criminal backgrounds from entering the country. Trump’s comments come amid a significant decrease in illegal border crossings reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Prime Minister Starmer highlighted his government’s success in removing approximately 35,000 individuals without legal rights to remain in the U.K. since July 2024. This action aligns with his campaign promise to reduce illegal immigration significantly. The Labour government has faced pressure to address the rising number of small boat crossings, which have increased by over 50% since January compared to the previous year.
In collaboration with French President Emmanuel Macron, Starmer announced a “one in, one out” pilot scheme aimed at deterring migrant crossings. This agreement allows the U.K. to return migrants arriving illegally from France while accepting an equal number of legitimate asylum seekers from France. Additionally, the British government introduced a sanctions regime targeting migrant-smuggling networks, aiming to disrupt their financial operations and prevent further illegal crossings.
Trump warned that Europe could face significant challenges if mass migration continues unchecked, potentially altering its cultural landscape. He urged European leaders to adopt stronger immigration policies to preserve their nations’ integrity. The meeting between Trump and Starmer also followed the announcement of a new trade deal framework between the U.S. and the European Union, highlighting broader economic implications beyond immigration.