British opposition leader Keir Starmer has vowed to dismantle the networks smuggling asylum seekers into Britain, describing a new strategy in his recent address.
Starmer criticized the current Conservative government’s handling of the situation, particularly scorning their costly plans to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda.
He argued that a Labour government would collaborate with European nations to effectively disrupt these criminal operations.
Starmer highlighted the inaction and “gesture politics” of the Tories, proposing instead a substantial boost in enforcement by recruiting hundreds of new officers and applying counterterrorism measures to combat the smugglers.
He expressed a firm stance on the matter, stating, “That is my message to the smugglers – these shores will become hostile territory for you.
“We will find you, we will stop you, we will protect your victims, with the Border Security Command, we will secure Britain’s borders.”
This initiative comes as part of Labour’s broader promise to overturn the perceived “talk tough, do nothing” culture pervasive in Westminster politics, according to Starmer.
His plans include not only immigration reforms but a sweeping change across various policies, emphasizing swift action and pragmatic solutions.
Starmer pointed out, “So, I say to the British people: if I am elected to serve this country … I will turn the page on Westminster’s ‘talk tough, do nothing’ culture.
“Not just on small boats. Not just on migration. On everything.”
The backdrop for these declarations is a surge in illegal crossings over the English Channel, with over 8,000 arrivals this year alone, many fleeing dire conditions like war and famine.
Starmer’s approach is designed to resonate with traditional Conservative voters, shifting their perception of Labour as a party soft on immigration.
He assures that the new Border Security Command would integrate resources from the police, domestic intelligence, and prosecution services, enhancing capabilities to preemptively counter smuggling activities.
Labour’s strategy also involves advanced investigative teams that would hold authority to conduct searches and seize assets even before crimes occur, signaling a robust response to what has remained a contentious issue following Britain’s exit from the EU.
This stance reflects Starmer’s attempt to recast Labour’s image on national security and border control, components critical to the party’s strategy to garner broader electoral support in the upcoming national election.