Can Starmer succeed in reducing immigration?

Keir Starmer has announced that the government is to make further progress on its manifesto pledge to “smash the criminal gangs” and reduce the flow of irregular migration in small boats across the English Channel.

- SEAN O'GRADY

At the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow – complete with pipe band and more than 1,000 police officers from 196 nations – the prime minister reiterated his motivation and determination: “There is nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.” His idea is to raise the importance of the issue: “People-smuggling should be viewed as a global security threat similar to terrorism.”

Will Starmer “Stop the Boats”?

Starmer has come under plenty of criticism for what he himself calls his “choppy” early months in office but he has not, so far, repeated his predecessor Rishi Sunak’s undeliverable pledge to “stop the boats” (which eventually only helped to stop the votes). Starmer and the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, refuse to put any numbers or deadlines for the success of their policy.

What is he going to do?

Spend some more money, get all the many agencies involved to work together and engage in much more international cooperation. He is putting another £75m of “new” money into the effort on top of a similar amount already committed.