- Martin Hewitt, head of the UK's border security command, is set to step down at the end of March after 18 months in the role.
- His departure comes amidst the government's ongoing struggle to control the number of small boats crossing the Channel.
- Since his appointment in September 2024, 58,910 people have made the journey, with last year seeing the second-highest annual total of 41,472 arrivals.
- Sources suggest Mr Hewitt's decision to leave was due to "frustrations" with the role, which he previously acknowledged would "take time" to yield results.
- The Home Office thanked him for his leadership, while shadow home secretary Chris Philp attributed the failure on small boats to Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood.
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