SPIES to Thwart Small Boat Gangs Who Are “No Better Than Terrorists”: Sir Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to deploy spies to put an end to small boat gangs that he believes are “no better than terrorists.” The Labour leader is set to introduce plans for a Border Security Command force if he ascends to No10.
Sir Keir Pledges New Officers to Combat Trafficking Gangs
During a speech in Dover, Sir Keir will promise to allocate hundreds of new officers to crush trafficking gangs. This initiative will be backed by £75 million in funding from axing the Rwanda scheme. The Border Security Command force will possess the authority to oversee officers from various security services, including MI5, the National Crime Agency, and the police.
Strengthening Existing Laws to Counter Channel Crossings
Existing counter-terror laws will be reinforced to target Channel crossings. This includes the capability to seize the phones of illicit migrants to gather intelligence on the gangs facilitating these crossings. Additionally, suspected smugglers with ties to organized crime may undergo bank investigations and premises searches.
Blunting Tory Criticism
Sir Keir intends to leverage this announcement to deflect Tory criticisms that he lacks a viable plan to manage illegal migration, particularly after pledging to terminate the Rwanda flights. However, Home Secretary James Cleverly has cast doubt on Sir Keir’s intentions, stating, “Nobody believes Keir Starmer wants to control our borders when he previously said immigration controls are ‘racist’ and blocked the deportation of violent sexual offenders.”
Increasing Migration Crisis Solutions
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is set to propose adaptations to the European Court of Human Rights to address the escalating migration crisis. Chalk argues, “The law is a living instrument. It must be tailored to reality.”