The new Home Secretary of the Labour party has announced that the initial deportations of individuals arriving in France by small boats are set to happen soon. Shabana Mahmood highlighted a recent agreement between the UK and French governments aimed at combating criminal human smugglers, with the first group of individuals who undertook the perilous Channel crossing being apprehended and slated for return.
Under the terms of the agreement, an equal number of individuals with valid claims to settle in the UK will be sent in their place. This development follows statistics from the Home Office showing that over 30,000 small boat crossings have occurred this year.
Incoming Home Secretary Mahmood, who assumed the position following a government reshuffle, emphasized the unacceptable nature of small boat crossings and the detrimental impact of human smugglers on border security. She expressed determination to prioritize safeguarding the UK border and utilizing all available strategies to restore order to the immigration system.
Although the government has not disclosed the exact number of individuals targeted for removal under the pilot scheme, reports suggest an initial plan to detain and deport approximately 50 people weekly after their arrival via small boats. Opposition leader Keir Starmer believes this approach will serve as a deterrent to potential migrants considering the hazardous journey, marking the first return agreement post-Brexit.
Mahmood is scheduled to engage with officials from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in discussions on combatting human smuggling during the upcoming Five Country Ministerial, also known as Five Eyes, meeting. This meeting, the first hosted by the UK since 2019, will address strategies to combat online child sexual abuse and curb the proliferation of dangerous synthetic opioids.
Regarding the global stage, Mahmood emphasized the importance of rebuilding the UK’s reputation to combat organized crime effectively and secure borders. She highlighted recent diplomatic achievements, including resetting relations with the EU, establishing a people smuggling pact with the G7, and implementing a unique return agreement with France. Today’s discussions with the Five Eyes partners are expected to introduce additional measures to combat human smugglers effectively.