Sir Keir Starmer is gearing up to label people smuggling a ‘national security’ concern – following over 15,000 migrants crossing the Channel illegally during his tenure.
The Prime Minister is set to unveil plans for a specialized investigation unit with counter-terror powers to combat people smugglers at Interpol’s general assembly next week.
This announcement comes amid scrutiny of the Government’s handling of small boats, including scrapping the Rwanda deportation scheme and processing a backlog of asylum applications.
Since the start of the year until the general election in July, 13,574 individuals crossed the Channel under Conservative leadership. However, under the current PM’s leadership, over 15,000 people have arrived, according to Home Office data.
Sir Keir’s proposed ‘anti-terror’ tactics could involve measures like shutting down bank accounts and seizing evidence preemptively. He will also discuss the boat crisis with European leaders in Hungary later this week.
In an interview with the Sun on Sunday, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of dismantling criminal gangs profiting from human trafficking and securing borders.
October saw over 5,000 crossings, marking the busiest month this year. Tragically, 59 migrants have lost their lives in the Channel so far in 2024, making it the deadliest year since the crisis began in 2018.
Despite the rising numbers, Chancellor Rachel Reeves expects ‘significant savings’ on asylum costs and has reduced the Home Office budget. Labour has faced criticism for initiating an ‘asylum amnesty’ by processing refugee claims previously on hold by the Conservatives.
A Number 10 source highlighted the Government’s commitment to tackling the issue at its root and engaging with European leaders to combat people smuggling gangs.
The total number of small boat crossings this year stands at 30,906, showing a 15.8% increase from last year but a 22.6% decrease from 2023 at this point.