UK Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Migrant Crossings with New Measures

By Edward Era Barbacena 

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has announced a series of stringent measures to combat the rising number of illegal asylum seekers arriving on small boats from France. 

This initiative comes in the wake of Labour's overwhelming victory in the July 4 election, where curbing small boat arrivals was a pivotal issue. 

Key actions include the recruitment of 100 specialist intelligence and investigation officers for the National Crime Agency (NCA). 

These officers will focus on dismantling the smuggling gangs responsible for organizing these perilous crossings. 

The Home Office aims to achieve the highest rate of deportations of failed asylum seekers in five years over the next six months. 

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper emphasized the government's commitment, stating, "We are taking strong and clear steps to boost our border security and ensure the rules are respected and enforced." 

In addition to bolstering the NCA, the government plans to expand detention capacity at removal centres by adding 290 beds and redeploying staff. 

Employers who hire individuals without the right to work in the UK will face financial penalties, business closure orders, and possible prosecutions. 

Prime Minister Starmer has also pledged to dismantle the people-smuggling gangs and strengthen cooperation with European countries, particularly France. 

He has scrapped a controversial scheme to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda, a flagship policy of the previous Conservative government.