LONDON: People smugglers are changing how they move asylum seekers across the English Channel, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said after 781 people reached Britain in small boats on Wednesday, the highest daily figure recorded this year.

Burnham said British and French authorities would continue pursuing the gangs behind the crossings. “They are changing their tactics but we will be relentless in chasing them down,” he told BBC South East.

The 781 arrivals on 23 September were recorded in UK government figures. Despite the daily surge, the 18,609 people reported to have crossed the Channel so far in 2026 represent a 42% fall from the same point last year.

The changing routes have also drawn protests at ports in southern England. Some protesters have worn black clothing and face coverings while attempting to stop migrants from entering.

Far-right activist Daniel Thomas, known as Danny Tommo, was charged with criminal damage on Thursday over the alleged slashing of a dinghy earlier in the week.

Burnham acknowledged public concern about immigration but criticised the protesters’ conduct. “That’s not the British way, as far as I’m concerned,” he told ITV.

The prime minister said measures introduced under his predecessor, Keir Starmer, were having an effect, while arguing that Brexit had weakened cooperation with neighbouring countries. He declined to set a date for ending small-boat crossings.

Labour’s annual conference begins on Sunday, its first under Burnham’s leadership.