Sir Keir Starmer is gearing up to declare people smuggling a ‘national security’ issue after more than 15,000 migrants crossed the Channel illegally under his watch.
The Prime Minister is expected to make this announcement during a speech at Interpol’s general assembly next week, where he will unveil plans for a specialized investigation unit armed with counter-terror powers to combat people smugglers.
However, questions have been raised about the government’s handling of the situation, especially regarding the scrapped Rwanda deportation scheme and the processing of asylum applications that were previously put on hold by the Conservatives.
Since the beginning of the year, over 13,500 people crossed the Channel while the Tories were in power. But under the current PM’s leadership, more than 15,000 individuals have arrived, according to Home Office data.
Sir Keir’s proposed ‘anti-terror’ tactics could involve measures like shutting down bank accounts, cutting off internet access, and seizing evidence before crimes occur. He will also be discussing the boat crisis with European leaders at a summit in Hungary later this week.
In a statement to the Sun on Sunday, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of dismantling criminal networks that profit from human suffering and exploitation. He stressed the need for a more secure asylum system and stronger border controls to address the issue effectively.
October saw over 5,000 individuals making the perilous journey across the Channel, marking it as the busiest month of the year. Tragically, 59 migrants have lost their lives in the Channel so far this year, making it the deadliest year since the crisis began in late 2018.
Despite the rising numbers, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has projected ‘significant savings’ on asylum costs and has reduced the Home Office’s budget. Labour has faced criticism for initiating an ‘asylum amnesty’ by processing refugee claims that were previously stalled by the Conservatives.
A Number 10 source emphasized the government’s commitment to not only increasing funding to address the issue at its root but also pushing it onto the agenda in discussions with European leaders. The source reiterated the need to dismantle criminal networks involved in people smuggling.
The total number of individuals who have crossed the Channel in small boats this year now stands at 30,906, showing a 15.8% increase compared to last year at this time but a 22.6% decrease from the same period in 2023.