UK Struggles to Curb Illegal Channel Crossings Amid Strong Smuggling Networks

By HOAR Team 30 March, 2025 4 mins read 31 Views

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Home Secretary Blames Criminal Gangs

Britain's capacity to halt illegal migrants breaching the English Channel in small vessels is increasingly reliant on adverse weather conditions, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged yesterday.

Record-Breaking Crossings Loom

This year is progressing towards potentially the highest number of illegal Channel crossings on record, with over 6,600 arrivals so far. Calais remains a significant hotspot, where migrants express unwavering determination to reach UK shores despite the dangers.

Labour Government Faces Criticism

With Labour in power, the total number of arrivals is expected to exceed 30,000 this week. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to lead an international summit focused on dismantling people smuggling operations, which he describes as pits nations against each other and exploit political disunity for profit.

Strategic Responses to the Crisis

In his upcoming speech in London, Starmer intends to draw parallels between his past work as Director of Public Prosecutions and the current battle against organised immigration crime, emphasising the need for cross-border collaboration, intelligence sharing, and comprehensive tactics to address the issue at every level.

Dependence on Weather Highlights Security Flaws

During an appearance on the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" show, Cooper criticized the current border security measures, highlighting that criminal gangs have undermined the system to the extent that weather conditions now significantly influence the number of successful crossings. "We cannot continue like this, where the number of calm days affects the number of crossings," she stated.

International Efforts Intensify

In preparation for the summit, Cooper emphasised the necessity of a unified global response along the entire migration route to effectively challenge smuggling networks. The Home Office has allocated nearly £1 million to anti-smuggling initiatives in Iraq, marking continued cooperation with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s law enforcement. This collaboration led to the arrest of three prominent members of a smuggling syndicate targeting the UK.

Shadow Government Rebukes Labour's Approach

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the government's strategy, suggesting that Labour's reliance on unpredictable weather is insufficient. He criticised the cancellation of the Rwanda removals plan and criticised Starmer's border control measures as ineffective.

Migrant Stories Highlight Persistent Risks

At the Loon-Plage camp in Calais, migrants conveyed their resolve to undertake the dangerous journey regardless of the weather conditions. Afghan Ali Hussein, 29, expressed his readiness to face adverse weather for the chance to reach the UK. Similarly, a Syrian man known as Badar and 19-year-old Mustapha from South Sudan affirmed their determination to risk the perilous crossing.

The UK's Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Crossings

Despite Labour’s promises to tackle the financial gains of smuggling operations, nearly 30,000 illegal migrants have still entered the UK since the current government took office. Additionally, concerns have arisen over the safety of asylum seekers, with reports indicating that a fifth of small boat applicants did not adhere to basic rules last year, raising fears of migrants potentially disappearing within the UK.

Looking Ahead to the International Summit

Prime Minister Starmer's leadership in the upcoming two-day summit signals the UK’s commitment to addressing the illegal Channel crossings. The focus will be on dismantling smuggling networks through international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts across nations to reclaim control over border security.

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