Sir Keir Starmer's tough stance
Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to deploy spies to combat small boat gangs, equating them to terrorists. The Labour leader proposes a Border Security Command force with hundreds of new officers and £75 million in funding to tackle trafficking gangs.
Strength in numbers
The Border Security Command force will have the authority to coordinate officers from various security services, including MI5, the National Crime Agency, and the police. Strengthened counter-terror laws will target Channel crossings, enabling the gathering of information on trafficking gangs.
Response to criticism
Sir Keir's announcement comes in response to criticism from the Tories, who accused him of lacking a credible plan to address illegal migration. The pledge to scrap the Rwanda flights has been met with skepticism, prompting this new initiative.
Opposition's viewpoint
Home Secretary James Cleverly expressed doubts about Sir Keir's intentions, citing past statements on immigration controls. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk suggests adapting the European Court of Human Rights to address the migration crisis effectively.
Yesterday alone, 36 more migrants crossed the Channel on small boats, bringing the total to over 8,500 this year.
