Farmer Urges UK Government to Address Escalating Migrant Crisis

In a candid interview aired on GB News, Chris Gadsden, a farmer with nearly four decades of experience managing migrant-related issues on his land, delivered a stark message to the UK Prime Minister regarding the country's burgeoning migrant crisis. Gadsden's remarks come amidst rising concerns over the increasing number of illegal crossings into the United Kingdom, particularly through the English Channel. In 2025, approximately 16,317 migrants have crossed the Channel, marking a 40% increase from the previous year and setting a record since monitoring began in 2018.

Gadsden recounted his firsthand experiences with illegal migration, stating, "It goes back nearly 40 years. We bought the farm 38 years ago. Within the first year, the police came down and asked if they could carry out a survey...They set up and stayed for a few days, but they didn’t have much success." He noted that the situation escalated significantly around a decade ago, when he began to regularly see groups of migrants establishing encampments on his property, causing disruption to his daily life.

During the interview with host Martin Daubney, Gadsden articulated his frustration with governmental inaction, asserting, "Someone’s got to tell him [the Prime Minister]. If you don’t live with this on your doorstep, you’ve no idea what’s really going on—the stress, the disruption, and the cost to ordinary working people." He expressed a desire to confront policymakers directly, urging them to "get your act together."

The current migrant crisis has prompted significant political discourse, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticizing the government's response during Prime Minister's Questions. Philp remarked on the record number of crossings, accusing the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner of mismanaging the situation. He also highlighted the controversial Rwanda deterrent scheme, which Labour has proposed to scrap, arguing that such decisions only serve to encourage further migrant arrivals.

Government officials have described the situation as "deteriorating," particularly with reports of Albanian criminal networks facilitating crossings for as low as £2,000 per person, which is the cheapest rate since 2002. This alarming trend raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the ability of authorities to manage the influx of migrants effectively.

Experts in migration policy and law have weighed in on the crisis, suggesting that comprehensive reforms are necessary to address both the humanitarian aspects of migration and the legal frameworks that govern it. Dr. Angela Morris, a migration specialist at the University of Oxford, noted, "The government must balance border security with humane treatment of migrants. A multifaceted approach is essential to address the root causes of migration and the complexities of international law."

Amidst this challenging environment, the UK government continues to grapple with public sentiment regarding immigration. Data from a recent YouGov poll indicated that a significant portion of the British populace supports stronger immigration controls, reflecting a growing unease over the current situation.

As the government navigates this complex issue, the implications for both domestic policy and international relations remain profound. The ongoing migrant crisis not only tests the limits of the UK's immigration system but also shapes the political landscape in the lead-up to future elections, as parties grapple with public concerns and humanitarian obligations.

In conclusion, as Gadsden's experiences and frustrations highlight, the migrant crisis poses significant challenges for the UK, necessitating urgent and effective government action to address the myriad issues stemming from illegal immigration. The future of UK immigration policy may hinge on the government's ability to address these concerns while maintaining a commitment to human rights and international obligations.