UK to Enhance Border Security with Counter-Terrorism Tactics Against Smuggling Gangs
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces £75 million funding boost to combat people smuggling
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a strategic initiative to tackle people-smuggling gangs utilizing counter-terrorism approaches.
Speaking at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow, Starmer underscored his commitment by allocating an additional £75 million to the UK's Border Security Command (BSC), raising its total funding to £150 million.
This funding will support the hiring of hundreds of new investigators and intelligence officers.
The BSC will now focus on treating people-smugglers akin to terrorists, enhancing abilities to track suspected human traffickers, and freezing their bank accounts.
Key measures include the addition of 300 staff for global partnerships, 100 specialist officers for the National Crime Agency, new technology for data exploitation, a dedicated intelligence unit, and support for the Crown Prosecution Service to expedite international crime cases.
Despite these efforts, former immigration chief Kevin Saunders expressed skepticism about the long-term deterrence of illegal migrants, pointing out challenges in prosecuting smugglers based outside the UK.
The Conservative Party criticized Starmer for previous opposition to anti-smuggling measures, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the need to address the smuggling networks beyond temporary influences like weather conditions.
With over 27,500 Channel crossings reported this year, including a monthly high in October, the UK Government is aiming for quick progress, though long-term results remain uncertain.
Speaking at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow, Starmer underscored his commitment by allocating an additional £75 million to the UK's Border Security Command (BSC), raising its total funding to £150 million.
This funding will support the hiring of hundreds of new investigators and intelligence officers.
The BSC will now focus on treating people-smugglers akin to terrorists, enhancing abilities to track suspected human traffickers, and freezing their bank accounts.
Key measures include the addition of 300 staff for global partnerships, 100 specialist officers for the National Crime Agency, new technology for data exploitation, a dedicated intelligence unit, and support for the Crown Prosecution Service to expedite international crime cases.
Despite these efforts, former immigration chief Kevin Saunders expressed skepticism about the long-term deterrence of illegal migrants, pointing out challenges in prosecuting smugglers based outside the UK.
The Conservative Party criticized Starmer for previous opposition to anti-smuggling measures, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the need to address the smuggling networks beyond temporary influences like weather conditions.
With over 27,500 Channel crossings reported this year, including a monthly high in October, the UK Government is aiming for quick progress, though long-term results remain uncertain.
