Starmer's bold EU security plan could change how UK fights smuggling gangs
UK aims to get back crucial EU data-sharing powers lost after Brexit to fight cross-border crime. Plans include doubled budget for border security and new powers to tackle Channel crossings
At Interpols Glasgow meeting Sir Keir Starmer outlined his plan to get back pre-Brexit security powers with the EU (which focuses on getting real-time info about smuggling groups across Europe)
The soon-to-be discussed deal has clear limits: “Weʼve got red lines when it comes to the EU“ Starmer said explaining his position about single market customs union and movement rules
Iʼm very keen to get the UK into a leadership position when it comes to the actual operations‚ particularly in relation to smuggling and putting people into small boats across the Channel
The plan includes several key parts:
- Double-sized budget of £150m for new investigators
- Counter-terror style powers for border officers
- Added prosecutors for faster case processing
- EU fingerprint database access restoration
Looking at current numbers - over 31k people crossed the Channel this year which is more than in 2023 - Starmer wants to use his past experience as chief prosecutor to fix this issue. His idea comes from working with EU before: sharing intel data and making joint plans for arrests evidence gathering and prosecutions
The security agreement will be discussed at next weeks Hungary summit where Starmer plans to show UK as a trusted partner; unlike some Conservative politicians views he confirmed Britain wont leave European Convention on Human Rights
