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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for a terrorism-style approach to combat illegal immigration during a major international summit in London, which brought together delegates from more than 40 nations.
The gathering, considered the largest of its kind focusing on illegal migration, included representatives from key source countries such as Albania and Vietnam. During the summit, Starmer emphasized the necessity of treating the global people smuggling industry, valued at approximately $10 billion annually, with the same gravity as counterterrorism efforts.
“Illegal migration is a massive driver of global insecurity. It undermines our ability to control who comes here. And that makes people angry,” Starmer said.
“It makes me angry, frankly, because it is unfair on ordinary working people who pay the price, from the cost of hotels to our public services struggling under the strain,” he continued.
Removing illegal migrants at the highest rate in eight years, seizing hundreds of boats and engines, taking down 18,000 social media accounts, ramping up illegal working raids.
No gimmicks. Just hard graft.
This government is delivering the security you deserve. pic.twitter.com/LORbnXPruT
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) March 31, 2025
“And it’s unfair on the illegal migrants themselves. Because these are vulnerable people being ruthlessly exploited by vile gangs.”
The Prime Minister advocated for enhanced international cooperation, suggesting that nations pool their resources and intelligence to disrupt smuggling operations throughout the entire migration route, spanning from North Africa and the Middle East to major urban centers.
Highlighting previous successful collaborations, Starmer referenced a joint operation between London, Paris, and Berlin that dismantled an Iraqi-led trafficking network. He also noted successful initiatives in the Netherlands targeting smuggling organizations, as well as campaigns in Albania and Vietnam aimed at deterring potential migrants.
The British government announced new measures, including a £30 million investment to target criminal networks’ finances and supply chains across three continents, plus an additional £3 million to expand international prosecution capabilities. Plans also include stricter enforcement against businesses employing illegal workers and those operating in the gig economy.
🚨KEIR STARMER TO OPEN THE BORDERS AND REMOVE RESTRICTIONS ON ALL ILLEGAL MIGRANTS
– Pathway to citizenship offered for all boat crossings
– Scientific age check requirement REMOVEDLabour need more voters or they will lose so they intend to import them
Full story below 🧵 pic.twitter.com/wpg1qWbLAK— Basil the Great (@Basil_TGMD) February 2, 2025
Reports from the Daily Mail suggest the government is considering challenging certain aspects of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) that have hindered deportation efforts, though complete withdrawal from the convention remains off the table.
While Starmer touted his government’s deportation of 24,000 migrants since taking office in July as the highest in eight years, critics point out this figure is dwarfed by the estimated one million illegal residents and recent arrival numbers.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage remarked: “Over 30,000 migrants have crossed the Channel since Labour came to power. More illegals crossed in the first 3 months of 2025 than the same period in 2024. He promised to smash the gangs, but he’s smashing Rishi Sunak’s record instead.”
