By Noor Qurashi
Sir Keir Starmer is gearing up to designate people smuggling as a ‘national security’ concern – following the illegal crossing of more than 15,000 migrants over the Channel during his tenure.
The Prime Minister is set to unveil plans for a specialized investigation unit with counter-terror capabilities to combat people smugglers in a speech at Interpol’s general assembly next week.
However, questions have been raised about the government’s handling of the small boats issue, including the cancellation of the Rwanda deportation scheme and the processing of a backlog of asylum applications put on hold by the Conservatives.
Since Sir Keir took office, over 15,000 people have arrived, surpassing the 13,574 crossings during the Tories’ time in power earlier this year.
Sir Keir’s proposed ‘anti-terror’ tactics could involve measures such as freezing bank accounts, cutting off internet access, and seizing evidence preemptively.
He is also scheduled to discuss the boats crisis with European leaders at a summit in Hungary later this week.
In an interview with the Sun on Sunday, Sir Keir emphasized the importance of dismantling criminal gangs that exploit vulnerable individuals for profit.
The total number of Channel crossings in small boats this year has reached 30,906, marking a 15.8% increase from last year but a 22.6% decrease from 2023.