UK Aims for Leadership in European People-Smuggling Investigations

Keir Starmer has proposed that the UK lead future Europe-wide investigations into people-smuggling networks as part of a new security deal with the EU.

Speaking at Interpol's annual general assembly in Glasgow, Starmer emphasized his commitment to dismantling these networks and highlighted ongoing talks with EU leaders, including Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, to enhance cross-border security measures.

The UK seeks access to Eurodac, the EU's asylum seeker fingerprint database, and aims to re-enter real-time intelligence sharing systems.

Starmer advocates for maintaining UK membership in the European convention on human rights, arguing that international agreements underpin collaborative security efforts.

Additionally, Yvette Cooper, Home Secretary, revealed plans to expedite asylum claims from high grant rate countries such as Afghanistan and Sudan.

She noted that previous administrative delays have hindered processing, emphasizing the need for swift resolutions.

Starmer also unveiled £75 million funding to boost border security, proposing that people-smuggling be treated with the same intensity as counter-terrorism.

The government's border security and immigration bill signals further legislative measures to address smuggling challenges.

A £6 million increase in UK support for Interpol's fight against organized crime was also announced.