PM asks China to stop the boats

DEAL AIMS TO CUT OFF SUPPLY TO SMUGGLERS

- BY MARTYN BROWN Political Editor in Beijing

KEIR Starmer is expected to strike a new border security pact with China in his latest attempt to end the small boats crisis.

More than half of engines used by people smugglers crossing the English Channel are manufactured in the Far East nation.

The deal will be signed after the Prime Minister meets with Chinese president Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang in Beijing today.

Migrant crossings have surged since Labour came to power 18 months ago.

Sir Keir's flagship "one in, one out" scheme with France has descended into farce, with more migrants being sent to Britain than deported back across the channel.

Last year more than 60% of all engines used by smuggling gangs were found to be branded as being manufactured in China. Inflatable dinghies used in small boat crossings are also often made using parts sourced in China.

The PM said: "Organised immigration crime and the business model of the smuggling gangs goes beyond borders. Our approach to shut them down must do the same.