Chinese police to assist UK in halting Channel crossings
Chinese police will help to stop Channel crossings under a deal signed between Sir Keir Starmer and Xi Jinping today, reports BritPanorama.
The agreement focuses on intelligence sharing aimed at disrupting the supply routes for smuggling gangs. In recent years, over 60% of small boat engines used in illegal crossings were manufactured in China, underscoring the significance of this collaboration between UK and Chinese authorities.
UK officials aim to pool information to enhance efforts against illegal immigration. Starmer, who has become the first British Prime Minister in eight years to visit China, framed the deal as pivotal to tackling organized immigration crime that transcends borders.
“This deal will help us cut off the supply of boats at source — stopping crossings before lives are put at risk and restoring control to our borders,” Starmer stated during his announcement.
Rick Jones from the National Crime Agency emphasized that the agreement will facilitate cooperation with Chinese law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks that exploit vulnerable individuals while ensuring legitimate businesses are not inadvertently implicated in these operations.
Furthermore, the deal will extend to addressing issues of opioid drug smuggling from China. Despite initiatives implemented by the Labour government, the UK has seen a rise in Channel crossings, prompting renewed calls for effective bilateral agreements. Discussions surrounding a one-in, one-out arrangement with France have noted that more migrants have arrived in the UK than have been returned.
As Starmer continues his diplomatic engagement, he expresses a commitment to enhancing cooperation with European counterparts, particularly President Emmanuel Macron, in addressing the ongoing challenges of migration.
This agreement marks a significant move in the UK’s strategy to tackle illegal immigration and reflects a broader approach towards international collaboration on cross-border crime.
The ramifications of this agreement may influence future policy decisions and the effectiveness of UK immigration strategies in cooperation with international partners.
