The British government has faced challenges in tackling the issue of irregular small boat crossings in the English Channel. From 2018 to 2025, approximately 193,000 individuals were recorded making the crossing, with a peak of 46,000 in 2022.
When asked about stopping migration, Orbán shared with the TV channel that the key lies in “determination.”
“If you decide to stop them, stop them. It might not be the most pleasant task, but if you determine that this is our border and no one can cross without our consent, you must maintain it. You must do so.”
In the previous year, about 41,000 people arrived in the U.K. via small boats, with over 3,000 having crossed so far in 2026. Approximately 95% of these individuals apply for asylum and are often accommodated in hotels, sparking considerable debate.
Orbán explained, “In Hungary, it’s straightforward. If someone crosses the border without obtaining prior permission from the authorities, it’s a crime, and we treat them accordingly.”
Last July, London reached a “one in, one out” arrangement with Paris, allowing undocumented migrants arriving on small boats to be removed in exchange for asylum seekers connected to the U.K. This initiative faced criticism after a deported individual returned to Britain and for the treatment of those sent back to France.
When questioned about whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer and former Tory Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were too lenient in their migration policies, Orbán commented, “I’m not bold enough to criticize any leader of the U.K.”
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