Photo : shutterstock
As the UK gears up for its next general election, immigration once again dominates political discourse. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to “smash the gangs” involved in people smuggling echoes the Conservative government’s earlier promise to “stop the boats”. While these slogans may resonate with voters, they grossly oversimplify the complex challenges of managing migration and border security in modern Britain.
Starmer’s proposal to adopt a counter-terrorism approach to combat people smuggling is not novel. Similar strategies have been employed across Europe, from Italy’s use of anti-mafia units to the UK’s own Channel Threat Command. However, these efforts have yielded limited success in stemming irregular migration.
The reality is that most smuggling operations are far removed from the organised crime syndicates often portrayed in political rhetoric. Extensive research consistently shows that these networks tend to be loose, small-scale, and highly adaptable. When one group is dismantled, others quickly emerge to fill the void, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement efforts.
Moreover, the unintended consequences of aggressive anti-smuggling measures can be severe. Rather than reducing harm to migrants, such operations often displace routes to more dangerous areas and increase reliance on smugglers’ services. The Nationality and Borders Act of 2022, which criminalised irregular entry, has led to the prosecution of vulnerable individuals, including young asylum seekers, rather than the masterminds behind these operations.
Labour’s plan to establish a specialised border security command, bringing together various agencies, bears a striking resemblance to previous unsuccessful attempts to centralise counter-smuggling efforts. The Channel Threat Command, launched in 2020, and other interagency task forces like Project Invigor, have struggled to end smuggling as a practice. Even British and French cooperation on small boat crossings has yet to prove effective.
The pledge to scrap the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme is a step in the right direction. However, Labour’s commitment to expediting removals of those deemed ineligible for asylum faces significant hurdles. Bilateral agreements with countries of origin are essential for implementing such policies, and many of the top nationalities arriving via small boats hail from nations with poor human rights records or strained diplomatic relations with the UK.
It is crucial to recognise that the majority of individuals crossing the Channel in small boats would likely qualify for refugee status if their applications were processed efficiently. Home Office data supports this assertion, underscoring the need for a more nuanced approach to asylum policy that balances border security concerns with humanitarian obligations.
The fixation on deterring irregular migration through punitive measures overlooks the potential of expanding safe and legal routes. The success of schemes for Ukrainian refugees and Hong Kong BNO visa holders demonstrates that well-designed immigration policies can effectively manage large-scale movements without resorting to dangerous Channel crossings. No Ukrainian refugee has drowned in the Channel, and more than 120,000 people moved from Hong Kong to the UK since 2021 without sparking claims of an “invasion“.
As we approach the election, it is imperative that the debate on immigration moves beyond simplistic slogans and acknowledges the complexity of the issue. Migration encompasses a diverse range of individuals, from highly skilled professionals to those seeking humanitarian protection. A comprehensive approach must address labour market needs, international obligations, and the root causes of forced displacement.
The next government, regardless of party, will face the challenge of balancing public concerns about immigration levels with the economic and social benefits that well-managed migration can bring. This will require moving beyond enforcement-heavy approaches and investing in a robust, fair, and efficient immigration system.
Innovative solutions, such as expanding bilateral labour agreements, enhancing regional protection programmes, and improving integration support for new arrivals, should be explored. Creating legal and safe routes could potentially put smuggling operations out of business while addressing the country’s labour shortages, without risking more lives or compromising border security.
There is need for a more thoughtful and nuanced debate on immigration. While border security is undoubtedly important, it must be balanced with our humanitarian responsibilities and the potential benefits of migration. Political leaders should resist the temptation to oversimplify this complex issue and instead engage the public in an honest discussion about the trade-offs and challenges involved.
The path forward lies not in catchy slogans or quick fixes, but in developing a comprehensive, compassionate, and pragmatic approach to migration management. Only by acknowledging the multifaceted nature of this issue can we hope to craft policies that are both effective and aligned with our values as a nation.
It is remarkable that politicians appear insistent on repeating failures rather than learning from successes. The current government’s successful implementation of asylum and immigration schemes for people from Ukraine and Hong Kong demonstrates that creating legal and safe routes is possible and effective.
As we move towards the election, it is crucial that we shift the focus from punitive measures to constructive solutions. By addressing the root causes of irregular migration, expanding legal pathways, and improving the efficiency of our asylum system, we can create a fairer, more humane, and ultimately more effective approach to immigration. This is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for a country that seeks to maintain its position on the global stage while upholding its values and obligations.