Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a whopping £75 million in funding to boost the number of border security officers and crack down on people smugglers.
The cash injection is set to bring in new technology and enhance the capabilities of the UK’s Border Security Command, she revealed.
This move comes after more than 1,000 migrants arrived in the UK over the weekend, with eight men tragically losing their lives while attempting to cross the Channel on Saturday.
Ms Cooper stated: “Criminal gangs are jeopardizing our border security and endangering lives.
“The Border Security Command will undergo a major revamp and upgrade in law enforcement against smugglers and trafficking gangs to strengthen our border security.
“Cutting-edge technology and improved intelligence capabilities will ensure we are utilizing every available tool to dismantle this despicable trade.”
Funds originally earmarked for the previous government’s Rwanda scheme will now be redirected to support these new plans.
Following the recent election, the new Labour Government scrapped the scheme, which aimed to deter asylum seekers by sending those who arrived in the UK illegally to Rwanda.
The package will also include hidden cameras and monitoring technology, with the Home Office aiming to expedite investigations and increase the chances of successful prosecutions.
Moreover, the National Crime Agency (NCA) is set to receive an additional 100 specialist investigators, as announced by the Government earlier this year.
NCA director-general operations Rob Jones expressed his approval, stating: “I welcome this funding, which will enable us to enhance and expand our technology, data exploitation, and capacity-building both internationally and in the UK.
“Combatting organized immigration crime remains a top priority for the NCA. We are currently leading approximately 70 investigations into criminal gangs or individuals involved in the highest levels of criminal activity, and we are dedicating more resources to it than ever before.
“We are committed to disrupting and dismantling these networks, regardless of where they operate.”
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson added: “CPS prosecutors will bring significant expertise to the new unit to help thwart human trafficking gangs and pursue any assets acquired through criminal activities.
“Through collaboration with partners, we will continue to discourage, disrupt, and dismantle this exploitative trade through prosecutions and international cooperation.”