UK and Germany Sign Joint Plan to Combat Migrant Smuggling Networks
Britain and Germany have formalized a joint action plan to strengthen their efforts against migrant smuggling networks. The agreement was signed during a high-level meeting of European interior and migration ministers in London on Tuesday, which also involved representatives from France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Europol, and Frontex.
This initiative, part of the Calais Group, aims to address the growing issue of irregular migration and the smuggling networks exploiting vulnerable individuals. Nearly 34,000 undocumented migrants have crossed the English Channel to the UK this year, with 70 fatalities recorded, making 2024 the deadliest year for such crossings.
Under the new agreement, Germany will amend its laws to allow the prosecution of smugglers facilitating crossings from northern France to the UK. The new measures will enhance law enforcement's ability to target smuggling networks, particularly those involved in supplying equipment like inflatable boats.
Germany’s Ambassador to London, Miguel Berger, acknowledged the role of smuggling networks in facilitating illegal migration from Belarus through Poland and into the UK via Germany. The joint plan is expected to address these routes, particularly as the UK is no longer part of EU immigration agreements following Brexit.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stressed the urgency of dismantling these criminal gangs, calling their activities inhumane and dangerous. She emphasized that the partnership with Germany would strengthen border security and save lives. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser echoed this, highlighting the grave risks posed by smuggling operations and the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to prosecute smugglers.
The action plan also includes disrupting illicit financial flows and increasing investigative pressure to target the criminals behind the operations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described migrant smuggling networks as a global security threat on par with terrorism.
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