A heated debate unfolded on GB News as presenter Nana Akua clashed with Dr Krish Kandiah over the UK's migration policy amid rising Channel crossings.
The pair locked horns over how to address small boat arrivals, with Akua suggesting migrants were "taking the mickey" while Kandiah advocated for more safe and legal routes.
Their exchange comes as French Navy vessels were spotted escorting migrant boats across the Channel on Sunday, with one fisherman describing conditions as "appalling" with "zero visibility".
Nana argued that the UK must be selective about who it allows to enter the country due to limited resources.
Nana Akua locked horns with her guest
GB NEWS
"We're a small island. We have to be selective. We do not even have the infrastructure to look after ourselves, let alone open more safe and legal routes for people fleeing war," she stated.
She questioned whether countries like Eritrea and Vietnam were experiencing serious conflicts that would justify asylum claims.
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Calm conditions in the Channel have led to a fresh surge of small boat launchesPANana expressed particular concern about small boat arrivals, saying they "take up our housing stock, infrastructure and they seem to be having a great time about it."
Dr Kandiah countered that more safe and legal routes should be established for those fleeing genuine conflicts.
"We do need to open safe and legal routes for the most in need - for example Sudan - where a horrible war is taking place," he argued.
He pointed out that the UK currently only has three such routes: for people from Hong Kong, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Nana Akua clashed with her guest
GB NEWS
Kandiah emphasised that safe and legal routes could include limits, noting: "The thing about safe and legal routes is, you can set a limit. Countries like Canada do that."
The debate comes as Channel crossings are expected to reach a significant milestone, with Home Office figures showing 9,885 people had made the journey so far this year as of Sunday.
An additional 247 migrants crossed on Sunday alone, with more than 200 thought to have crossed on Monday.
This puts 2025's crossings ahead of last year's pace, when the 10,000 mark wasn't reached until 24 May.
The government says it is investing in border security and increasing returns to their highest levels in over five years.
Both Nana and Kandiah found common ground on the need for controlled legal migration, though they differed on scope.
"I've noticed most people aren't complaining about legal migration," Akua said, arguing the focus should be on stopping small boat crossings.
Kandiah questioned why the government would restrict international students, noting they contribute "£37bn to our economy."
The debate highlighted the tension between humanitarian obligations and practical constraints as Britain grapples with migration policy amid increasing Channel crossings in dangerous conditions.
