Yvette CooperHome Secretary Announces New Measures to Boost Britain’s Border Security and tackle small boat smuggling gangs

The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance Britain’s border security and tackle organized immigration crime networks. These measures aim to strengthen enforcement, increase returns, and ensure that immigration and asylum rules are respected.

• Recruitment of up to 100 new specialist intelligence and investigation officers will be deployed at the National Crime Agency (NCA). Their mission is to target, dismantle, and disrupt criminal smuggling gangs involved in organized immigration crimes.
  
• NCA officers stationed in Europol will support European operations to disrupt criminal smuggling gangs involved in small boat crossings.
  
• The government plans to achieve the highest rate of removals for those with no right to be in the UK, including failed asylum seekers.
  
• An intelligence-driven illegal working program will be rolled out to identify and take down unscrupulous employers who hire illegal workers without the right to work in the UK.
  
• Employers who hire illegal workers will face sanctions, including financial penalties, business closure orders, and potential prosecution.
  
• Increased Detention Capacity with Additional beds (290) will be added to Immigration Removal Centers (IRCs) at Campsfield and Haslar to support the higher pace of removals.

These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to long-term security at Britain’s borders. By targeting criminal networks and enforcing immigration rules rigorously, the Home Secretary aims to create a safer and more controlled environment.

Remember, these actions are part of a broader strategy to protect the UK’s borders and maintain the integrity of its immigration system. The Home Office intends to significantly increase the removal of failed asylum seekers and ensure that immigration laws are upheld.