Andy Burnham was seen out jogging near his home in Cheshire as the issue of small-boat migration returned to the political spotlight. The appearance came as more migrants crossed the English Channel, keeping pressure on the new prime minister at a sensitive moment.
According to the report, the latest arrivals came just two days after 165 people made the journey in a single boat. That earlier crossing drew attention because of the number of people involved, and the fresh arrivals have added to concern over border control and the government’s response.
Burnham was described as wearing a yellow Adidas Boston Marathon T-shirt during the run. The images and timing quickly fed into a wider political story, with opponents and observers focusing on what they see as his lack of a public response on immigration since taking office.
With Channel crossings continuing, the issue is likely to remain near the top of the agenda for Burnham’s government. The latest developments add to the pressure on Downing Street to set out its position and show how it plans to deal with future arrivals.
