The UK government has appointed Martin Hewitt as the new border security commander to address the ongoing Channel migrant crisis. This move comes as part of efforts to enhance border control and dismantle people-smuggling networks.
Hewitt, formerly of Scotland Yard and the National Police Chiefs' Council, was selected for his expertise in complex operations and understanding of organized crime networks. His appointment follows criticism of the government's decision to abandon the Rwanda scheme without presenting an alternative deterrent.
The new commander's strategy involves intensifying the use of undercover tactics and covert surveillance to track and apprehend people-smugglers. This approach aims to disrupt the operations of criminal gangs responsible for facilitating dangerous Channel crossings.
Tragically, eight migrants recently lost their lives attempting to cross the Channel when their vessel capsized off the northern French coast. This incident brings the total number of migrant deaths in the Channel to 45 this year, a significant increase from the 12 fatalities recorded in the previous year. Among those rescued was a 10-month-old infant suffering from hypothermia, highlighting the perilous nature of these crossings.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour Party leader, is scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss strategies for managing migration. Italy has successfully reduced Mediterranean crossings by more than half through various measures, including crackdowns on smuggling gangs and expedited deportations of failed asylum seekers.
"This appointment will lead a new era of international enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our shores and bring order to the asylum system."
Hewitt's selection for the role involved a rigorous process, with officials considering 11 candidates before narrowing down to four finalists. His experience in overseeing complex operations involving multiple agencies and his understanding of government machinery were key factors in his appointment.
As head of the Border Security Command, Hewitt will lead a team comprising hundreds of investigators, police officers, and prosecutors from various agencies, including the National Crime Agency, MI5, Border Force, and the Crown Prosecution Service. These agencies will receive new powers to treat people-smugglers with the same severity as terrorists.
The UK government's approach to tackling the migrant crisis differs from Italy's in some aspects. While Italy has negotiated agreements with countries like Tunisia for the return of migrants and implemented offshore processing in Albania, the UK is focusing on enhancing its capacity to disrupt smuggling networks and process asylum claims more efficiently.
This appointment and the associated strategies represent a significant shift in the UK's approach to border security and migration management. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these new measures in addressing the complex challenges of cross-Channel migration remains to be seen.