The UK government unveiled new measures on Wednesday aimed at curbing the rising number of migrants arriving illegally via small boats from France across the English Channel. The plans include bolstering enforcement efforts with the recruitment of 100 new specialist intelligence and investigation officers, tasked with dismantling the smuggling gangs responsible for organizing the perilous crossings.
In addition to targeting criminal networks, the government is also focusing on expediting the deportations of failed asylum seekers. Over the next six months, it aims to achieve the highest rate of deportations in five years, according to a statement from the Home Office. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to increase detention capacity and crack down on employers who hire individuals without the legal right to work in the UK.
A Shift in Approach
The announcement follows the Labour Party’s recent landslide victory in the July 4 election, which brought Prime Minister Keir Starmer to power. Stopping small boat arrivals was a key issue during the election campaign, and Starmer’s government is making immigration reform a priority. Shortly after taking office, Starmer scrapped the controversial plan to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda—a flagship policy of the previous Conservative government. Instead, he has pledged to focus on dismantling the people-smuggling operations and working closely with European partners.
uk announces new measures to crack down on migrant crossings from france
The Home Office also announced the creation of a new Border Security Commander role, who will work in coordination with European countries, particularly France, to combat the smuggling networks. Starmer has committed to strengthening cooperation with French President Emmanuel Macron in addressing the surge in undocumented migrants.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite efforts to tackle illegal crossings, the number of people attempting the dangerous journey continues to rise. On Monday, more than 200 migrants crossed the Channel in three boats, bringing the provisional total for 2024 to 19,294, according to Home Office figures. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year, though it remains lower than the 21,344 crossings recorded during the same period in 2022.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is currently involved in around 70 investigations into criminal networks linked to human trafficking, and the government is stepping up enforcement with penalties and business closure orders for those employing illegal workers. Furthermore, the Home Office is adding 290 beds to two removal centres and redeploying staff to support its renewed deportation efforts.
Major Operation In Gravelines Prevents Over 420 Migrants From Crossing The English Channel After Cat And Mouse Game
Strengthening Border Security
Yvette Cooper, the UK’s interior minister, emphasized the importance of enforcing the rules and ensuring border security:
We are taking strong and clear steps to boost our border security and ensure the rules are respected and enforced,” Cooper said in a statement.
uk announces new measures to crack down on migrant crossings from france
With the implementation of these new measures, the government hopes to reduce the number of crossings and better manage the ongoing challenges posed by irregular migration. As the situation continues to evolve, the UK will need to balance enforcement with humanitarian considerations, as well as maintain cooperation with European partners to address the root causes of migration.
