UK government launches new Border Security Command to fight illegal immigration

The British government announced a new Border Security Command this Wednesday to strengthen its border security and “smash the criminal (people) smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings.”

The move, as promised by the Labour Party during its election campaign, came only days after its election victory and after new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper took office.

The border security commander, who will be appointed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, will provide strategic direction to work across agencies, drawing together the work of the National Crime Agency (NCA), intelligence agencies, police, Immigration Enforcement and (the) Border Force, to better protect our borders and go after the smuggling gangs facilitating small boat crossings.

Early legislation is being prepared to introduce new counter terror style powers and stronger measures to tackle organized immigration crime.

According to Home Office data, approximately 40,000 people entered the country illegally in 2023.