Starmer: People-Smugglers Are Terror Threats and We’re Taking Them Down
Labour Leader Demands Tougher Action on People-Smuggling
Sir Keir Starmer has slammed people-smuggling as a national security threat on par with terrorism. Unveiling sharp new policies to curb small boat crossings, the Labour leader vows to ramp up efforts if his party wins the next election.
New Security Pact with Europe
Labour plans to boost intelligence sharing with European allies through a fresh post-Brexit security pact. The move aims to give Britain stronger powers to clamp down on organised immigration gangs ferrying migrants across the Channel.
Starmer Slams Government’s Weak Response
“The first job of any government is national security – protecting the British people from threats that come from here and overseas,” Starmer said. He blasted the current government for letting smuggling gangs thrive, equating the threat to those from terrorism, hostile powers, and climate change.
Real-Time Intel Sharing & Tougher Orders on Gangs
Key to Labour’s plan is a new deal that would restore access to real-time data sharing with the EU, similar to the old Schengen Information System. This will fast-track serious crime prevention orders against traffickers, cracking down hard on border crossers and smugglers.
The Labour leader wasn’t holding back: “My Labour government will be twice as ruthless, to smash the gangs and secure British borders.” He accused the Tories of empty promises on illegal immigration while smuggling rings run wild.
Starmer’s recent trip to Europol HQ in The Hague is part of a push to toughen security ties and win over voters shaken by the 22,200+ Channel crossings in 2023.
