But Yvette Cooper declined to say when people could expect to see the number reduce, saying only that the government was making progress on bringing down the asylum backlog, accusing the previous government of having "crashed" the system.
In an interview with the BBC, Cooper hinted again that the UK was interested in examining third-country processing for migrants who had arrived in the UK illegally from safe countries.
She said the government would have been on track for the highest number of migrant crossings this year had the same approach continued, but that the number was lower than in 2022.
The number of people who have arrived to Britain on small boats so far this year stands at 34,880, up 20% on this time last year but down 22% on 2022.
Cooper yesterday announced the formation of a joint unit in the Foreign Office and Home Office to monitor migration and returns agreements.
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 16, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I'm not good enough' Guardiola takes blame after Diallo stuns City
Pep Guardiola said he is \"not good enough\" after Manchester City fell to a dramatic late derby defeat to Manchester United which extended their dire run to eight losses in 11 games.
Wolves target Pereira after sacking O'Neil as head coach
Wolves aim to make a swift appointment after the club took action in their relegation fight by sacking Gary O'Neil yesterday morning.
This Was elite football reimagined by a robot With a hangover
It was deeply fitting Amad Diallo should decide this Manchester derby, mainly because for long periods he seemed to be the only person on the pitch not playing under heavy sedation.
Diallo drives United on to deepen City's despair
When Ruben Amorim oversaw his previous victory over Manchester City - with his old club Sporting in the Champions League - it was to push the reigning Premier League champions towards crisis.
Cucurella red mars win but Jackson keeps Chelsea flying
Keeping up the pretence that this is no title challenge is becoming harder for Chelsea to maintain.
Hürzeler left incensed by referee as Palace cruise
If Michael Oliver isn't on Oliver Glasner's Christmas card list, then the Crystal Palace manager may want to get one in the post before it's too late.
Maddison and Son on target as Spurs demolish sorry Saints
As a battle of the Premier League's two most idealistic managers, it registered as a no-contest.
Celtic eye treble after Maeda holds his nerve to settle final thriller
Six goals, 10 penalties, 11 yellow cards and the unmistakable whiff of controversy.
Skittish England collapse as O'Rourke keeps Kiwis on top
There is rarely a dull moment with this England team, although there are times when their bowlers must surely crave the odd one.
Russo keeps Arsenal's revival in full swing
As Arsenal's players lapped up the full-time applause, the sound of Wham!'s Last Christmas was ringing in the air while the travelling supporters gave their hearts to their interim head coach, Renée Slegers.
