Sir Keir Starmer wants new security deal with EU to help nab Channel people smugglers
SIR Keir Starmer wants a new security deal with the EU to help nab Channel people smugglers.
The PM slammed our current post-Brexit agreement, saying we can’t access Euro intelligence on the gangs.
Speaking at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow, he said UK investigators should be in charge of tackling gangs across Europe, but it hasn’t happened since we left the EU.
He told reporters: “I’m very keen to get the UK into a leadership position, particularly in relation to smuggling and putting people into small boats across the Channel.”
He added: “All of the European countries value what the UK has to offer.
“They know that we’ve very good intelligence.”
The PM opened the annual global policing conference calling for greater international cooperation and intelligence sharing.
He said: “People-smuggling should be viewed as a global security threat similar to terrorism.”
The PM added: “We’re working with Italy to dismantle supply chains of maritime equipment, combat illicit financial flows and strengthen investigative capacities and data sharing.”
A “bi-lateral co-operation treaty” is also in the pipeline with Germany.
A total of 9,400 people have been returned to their home countries since Labour took office — mainly to places deemed safe.