September 16, 2024—the UK has appointed former London police head Martin Hewitt to oversee its new Border Security Command, a vital project meant to address the rising small boat crossing over the English Channel problem. This action responds to the growing death count as well as the continuous difficulty with illegal migration.
How Will the New Command Address the Migration Crisis?
Previously head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), Hewitt will supervise the newly formed Border Security Command from 2019 to 2023. To fight the smuggling groups enabling these risky crossings, this command will coordinate operations across intelligence agencies, police forces, and border officials. Eight individuals have lately lost their lives trying to cross the Channel in tiny boats, and the appointment of Hewitt comes as the UK confronts serious issues.
Declaring Hewitt’s appointment, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underlined the need to tackle the problem immediately. “There are no more gimmicks. Starmer said this administration will target the smuggling groups trading men, women, and children across borders, therefore compromising their lives. “Martin Hewitt’s singular knowledge will lead a new era of international enforcement to destroy these networks, protect our shores, and bring order to the Asylum system.”
What Are Hewitt's Objectives in His New Role?
Hewitt’s new job is spearheading a concerted attempt to destroy the criminal networks supporting these dangerous travels. In his remarks, Hewitt noted the weight of the work ahead and said, “I am under no illusions of the problems that lay ahead, but I am determined to confront them head-on. For far too long, the criminal groups responsible for the murder of hundreds of defenceless, innocent individuals have exploited our borders for the sake of profit. They transport people across Europe.
What Will Be Gained from the Visit to Rome?
In line with his new responsibilities, Hewitt will accompany Prime Minister Starmer to Rome to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The trip is to investigate Italy’s effective policies for controlling illegal migration, especially their recent accord with Albania. Under this agreement, rescued migrants are sent to Albania for asylum processing, a strategy said to have greatly slowed down migratory rates.
“I’m interested in how that works; I think everybody else is,” Starmer said of Italy’s migrant agreement. The early days are here. Unlike the now-abandoned Rwanda program in the UK, where Asylum seekers would not have been permitted to return to the UK even if their claims were confirmed, the pact with Albania lets people apply for Asylum in Italy while they are in Albania.
How Has the Conservative Party Reacted to the Government's Plan?
The Conservative Party has attacked the Labour administration’s attitude as lacking a specific strategy to stop unlawful boat crossings. “Keir Starmer is now resorting to trying to copy others since he has no idea how to stop the boats,” said a party spokeswoman. The spokesperson also asserted that Labour’s choice to abandon deterrence policies such as the Rwanda plan shows a weak attitude against smuggling groups.
What Can Be Learned from Italy's Successes and Broader Implications?
Thanks to financial deals with Tunisia and Libya, Italy has announced a noteworthy 64% drop in North African crossings this year. Frontex, the EU’s border force, has underlined these accords as fundamental in helping to lower migration levels. This accomplishment may be greatly attributed to Italy’s assistance with border security and local economic initiatives, as well as other aspects.
Starmer’s visit and the founding of the Border Security Command point to a more general attempt to mend UK ties to European countries following Brexit. This covers fresh talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The success of Hewitt’s leadership and international collaboration will be crucial in handling the continuous migrant problem and border security protection as the UK negotiates this difficult challenge.
