Starmer acknowledges that Channel illegal immigrant situation cannot be immediately rectified
The prime minister stated at the NATO summit in Washington that the situation may worsen before improving.
Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer cautioned on Wednesday that the issue of illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel won’t change overnight, as the year’s arrivals surpassed 14,000.
Sir Keir expressed concern that the situation could deteriorate further before any progress is made, speaking at the NATO summit in Washington.
Regarding his promise to tackle criminal gangs facilitating the small boat crossings, he criticized the previous government’s ineffective policies and emphasized the need for a different approach.
He highlighted the challenges inherited and emphasized the need for time to address the issue effectively.
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When asked if the situation might worsen before getting better, the prime minister stated that change takes time and emphasized the importance of immediate action.
He affirmed his commitment to dismantling criminal gangs involved in human trafficking with the support of various agencies for a comprehensive solution.
The establishment of the Border Security Command was recently announced by the Home Office to coordinate efforts across multiple government agencies.
The recruitment process for a border security commander is already in progress to lead this initiative under the direction of the home secretary.
Addressing concerns about stopping illegal boat crossings, the prime minister emphasized the need to target criminal organizations orchestrating these activities.
He rejected setting arbitrary deadlines and stressed the priority of disrupting the criminal networks facilitating these crossings.
484 Migrants Cross Since Election
Official figures show increased migrant crossings, with a total of 14,058 arrivals in 2024, indicating a rise from previous years.
Despite efforts to reduce illegal immigration, the number of arrivals via small boats has continued to rise, signifying ongoing challenges in managing the situation.
As part of their commitment to addressing this issue, the government is intensifying efforts to disrupt criminal networks involved in human trafficking.
Recent events have highlighted the urgency of the situation, with images of migrants being brought ashore in Dover, Kent, underscoring the human impact of these dangerous journeys.
Weather conditions in the English Channel have posed additional challenges, but the government remains steadfast in its resolve to address this pressing issue.
PA Media contributed to this story.
