It comes as 2025 saw 41,472 people reaching the UK via the small boats crossing the Channel – a figure described by the Home Office as “shameful”. Sir Keir came into office in 2024 with a vow to “smash the gangs” responsible for the crossings, but has instead seen a steady increase in the number of crossings. Some 60 per cent of the engines powering the small boats crossing the Channel have been found to be Chinese-manufactured, while the boats are often made using Chinese parts. Sir Keir said: “This deal will help us cut off the supply of boats at source – stopping crossings before lives are put at risk and restoring control to our borders. Before the meeting with China’s leader, Sir Keir was welcomed by National People’s Congress chair Zhao Leji at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.