Starmer to give extra £75m to target people smugglers

The Border Security Command is set to see its funding doubled as Sir Keir Starmer fixes his sights on ending small boat crossings.

- CHRISTOPHER MCKEON

The prime minister is expected to use a speech to the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow today to kick off a weeklong blitz on the issue that will see him travel to Hungary for talks on tackling people smuggling.

Today’s speech will see Sir Keir pledge another £75m for his new border command, taking its total funding to £150m over two years. The money will be used to fund high-tech surveillance equipment and 100 specialist investigators who will target criminals engaged in people smuggling.

The PM is expected to say: “The world needs to wake up to the severity of this challenge. I was elected to deliver security for the British people. And strong borders are a part of that. But security doesn’t stop at our borders. There’s nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.”