Speaking to reporters on Sunday afternoon, Ms Mahmood said: “I think the most important thing that people need to hear from their Home Secretary is that I’m doing whatever it takes to secure our border. “And that is what I’ve been absolutely laser-like focused on from the moment I became the Home Secretary, taking all of the measures that I know are needed in order to secure our border.” Ms Mahmood said the Government’s work to tackle small boat crossings was beginning to “bear fruit” although she acknowledged further reforms were needed. “I share their concern every time they see images of people crossing the Channel,” Ms Mahmood said. In response, Ms Mahmood said she will open up safe and legal routes into the country for students as well as workers and that she will reveal further plans on the issue later in the autumn.