Keir Starmer puts border security front and centre at major European summit
UK Prime Minister Signals Tough New Approach on Borders
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to make border security the cornerstone of the UK’s refreshed relationship with Europe at today’s high-stakes European Political Community (EPC) summit in Oxfordshire. He will tell world leaders the mounting challenges Europe faces can only be tackled through collective action.
Starmer aims to position the UK as a key global player, building genuine partnerships to improve lives across the continent. “European security will be at the forefront of this government’s foreign and defence priorities,” he says, vowing a reset driven by democratic values, international law, and economic stability for working people.
New Border Security Command and Crackdown on People Smugglers
The PM will announce the redeployment of over 100 Home Office staff from the Migration and Economic Development Partnership to create a rapid returns unit focused on controlling UK borders.
Starmer also pledges to lead a Europe-wide crackdown on organised immigration crime alongside Europol, Frontex, and member states, targeting ruthless people smuggling gangs profiting from dangerous small boat crossings and trafficking networks.
Organised immigration crime is spreading fast. More than 380,000 migrants entered the EU illegally last year – a 17% rise – with many crossing via small boats in the Mediterranean or trekking through the Balkans.
Fast-Track Asylum Decisions and New Legislative Firepower
Under a new fast-tracked system within the returns and enforcement unit, asylum claims will be processed quicker, prioritising those with no right to remain in the UK who can be swiftly removed.
This follows the announcement of the Government’s Border Security Bill in the King’s Speech, pledging tough new counter-terrorism style powers for the Border Security Command to disrupt smuggling networks, prosecute gangs for preparatory offences, and boost law enforcement capabilities.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has already increased National Crime Agency officers at Europol by 50%, strengthening UK ties with European enforcement bodies to tackle migrant smuggling head-on.
“Dangerous small boat crossings are undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. Criminal smuggling gangs are making millions from this awful trade. We will work across Europe to tackle the problem at source and bring these criminals to justice,” Cooper said.
Working Together to Secure Europe’s Future
The EPC summit, the only pan-European forum including EU institutions, NATO, the Council of Europe and OSCE, will focus on migration, democracy, and energy security. Russia and Belarus are notably excluded.
Starmer will join other leaders at the migration working group alongside Italy, Albania, Germany, Malta, Denmark, Hungary, The Netherlands, and Slovakia.
Tomorrow, he is expected to meet with key figures such as Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and attend the Moldova Group to show support for Moldova’s sovereignty amid Russian threats.
Hosting the summit at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Churchill and birthplace of Europe’s post-war unity, highlights the UK’s return to a central role in European affairs, reaffirming its commitment to peace, security, and shared prosperity.
“The EPC will fire the starting gun on this government’s new approach to Europe, delivering benefits for generations,” said Starmer. “We can only secure our borders, grow our economy, and defend our democracies by working together.”
