6 days ago
People-smuggling arrests fall despite Starmer's pledge to ‘smash the gangs'
Arrests for organised immigration crime by the UK's National Crime Agency fell by 16 per cent to 192 in the year to April, despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 's pledge to 'smash the gangs'.
The number of small boat migrants arriving in the UK has now surpassed 50,000, with a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Opposition figures and a Labour MP have criticised the government's handling of the issue, with Robert Jenrick saying 'it's never been easier to be a people smuggler'.
The National Crime Agency said it has dedicated more resources and achieved a record 347 disruptions against people smugglers.
Experts suggest scaling up the UK-France 'one in, one out' swap deal for migrants as a more viable solution, as 14 people have already died this year attempting Channel crossings.
