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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Holly Bancroft and Christopher McKeon

UK small boats crisis takes new twist as border chief to leave role

United Kingdom Martin Hewitt
  • Martin Hewitt, head of the UK's border security command, is set to step down at the end of March after 18 months in the role.
  • His departure comes amidst the government's ongoing struggle to control the number of small boats crossing the Channel.
  • Since his appointment in September 2024, 58,910 people have made the journey, with last year seeing the second-highest annual total of 41,472 arrivals.
  • Sources suggest Mr Hewitt's decision to leave was due to "frustrations" with the role, which he previously acknowledged would "take time" to yield results.
  • The Home Office thanked him for his leadership, while shadow home secretary Chris Philp attributed the failure on small boats to Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood.

IN FULL

UK border security chief to step down as government fails to get a grip on small boats crisis

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