Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has pledged to implement counter-terrorism tactics to combat people-smuggling gangs, announcing an additional £75 million to bolster police efforts at the UK’s borders. This funding will enhance the capabilities of the newly established Border Security Command (BSC).
“We are going to treat people smugglers like terrorists - we are taking our approach to counter terrorism, which we know works, and applying it to the gangs,” Starmer stated in his speech.
The new investment will allow for the hiring of hundreds of investigators and intelligence officers, bringing the total funding for the BSC to £150 million. The government aims to empower law enforcement with enhanced authority to track suspected human traffickers and freeze their bank accounts.
However, former immigration chief Kevin Saunders expressed skepticism regarding these measures. He argued that these changes are unlikely to deter illegal migrants or stop small boat crossings.
“Unfortunately what the prime minister is trying to do is not feasible,” Saunders explained during an interview with BBC Radio 4.
Saunders highlighted significant challenges in prosecuting people smugglers, stating that most are based in the Middle East and Turkey. He noted that under the current UK asylum system, deportation of failed asylum seekers is complicated by individuals destroying their documents. This often leaves authorities unable to confirm their country of origin, making it difficult for home countries to accept them back.
The government has faced criticism from a Conservative Party spokesperson who pointed out that Starmer previously voted against measures aimed at curbing illegal crossings:
“If Starmer continues to ignore the need for a deterrent… there will be more deaths in the Channel as more migrants continue to cross it.”
In October alone, over 5,400 people crossed the Channel in small boats—the highest monthly figure since October 2022. So far this year, more than 27,500 individuals have made similar crossings. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper linked this surge partly to unusually fair weather but stressed that addressing illegal immigration requires targeting criminal gangs directly.
Cooper acknowledged that while new investigators and technology are being introduced, results may take time. She emphasized a commitment to progress as swiftly as possible against these smuggling operations.
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