New small boats taskforce given counter-terror power to smash smuggling gangs unveiled in King’s Speech
IMMIGRATION cops will be given counterterror-style powers to target small boat smuggling gangs.
New laws unveiled in today’s King’s Speech will enshrine Labour’s promised Border Security Command taskforce to go after the Channel people traffickers.
Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to make good on one of his flagship election pledges to curb the number of daily crossings that are running at record rates.
Making it an urgent priority – with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper already admitting it will be a “difficult summer” – the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill was today revealed.
King Charles said: “My Government will seek to strengthen the border and make streets safer.
“A Bill will be introduced to modernise the asylum and immigration system, establishing a new Border Security Command and delivering enhanced counter terror powers to tackle organised immigration crime.”
The Command – which is hiring a dedicated commander – will treat smuggling gangs like terrorists and allow them to use security service intelligence to go after them.
Operatives will also be allowed to ramp up stop and search at the border, and new offences will be created for those advertising small boat crossings.
Sir Keir has also axed the Rwanda plan which he branded a £290million “gimmick”.
He is also vowing to end migrant hotels that cost taxpayers more than £5billion.
However it will mean allowing small boat migrants to claim asylum, which they are currently blocked from doing.
While it will mean some have their claims rejected, and can therefore be removed, it will also mean tens of thousands will be allowed to stay.
The Tories have slammed this as an “effective amnesty” for illegal migrants that removes any deterrent for those contemplating the perilous crossing from France.