Sir Keir Starmer has consistently used the phrase "Smash the gangs" when discussing our current immigration challenges.
On this page we will aim to maintain a timeline of the immigration crisis to see how effective Mr Starmer's "Smash the gangs" policy is, or isn't.
In support of Yvette Cooper's announcement that she had started to create the new UK Border Security Command Keir Starmer said: "My government will smash the criminal smuggling gangs and secure our borders.
The Border Security Command is the first step to deliver this change.
Actions not words."
Record migrants still arriving in the UK after Labour takes power
16 July, 2024
Yesterday saw a record number of migrants arrive in the United Kingdom since Labour took power just over a week ago.
On Monday 15th July a record 427 migrants arrived on 7 small boats.
Source(s): AyesToTheRight GOV.UK
Neil Basu, former national head of counterterrorism, declines to apply for top Border Security Command role
12 July, 2024
Several candidates have been asked to apply for the top role running Labour's new Border Security Command.
It is understood that Neil Basu was one of the leading candidates selected to smash the smuggling gangs.
The Times are reporting that Mr Basu has declined to apply for the role.
Source(s): The Times
Four migrants die in the English Channel
12 July, 2024
Four migrants have died after attempting to cross the English Channel from Boulogne-sur-Mer in Northern France.
It is understood that rescue efforts, which reportedly included a fishing vessel, saved 63 lives.
Source(s):Ayes To The Right BBC
Yvette Cooper on migrant deaths in English Channel
12 July, 2024
"The further loss of life in the Channel this morning is truly awful. My thoughts are with all those affected.
Criminal gangs are making vast profit from putting lives at risk. We are accelerating action with international partners to pursue & bring down dangerous smuggler gangs."
Source(s): X
Yvette Cooper sets out the first steps to establish the new UK Border Security Command
7 July, 2024
Today I have set out the first steps to establish the new UK Border Security Command to go after criminal smuggler gangs and strengthen our borders. X
Today I have set out the first steps to establish the new UK Border Security Command to go after criminal smuggler gangs and strengthen our borders. pic.twitter.com/iOIRmexlXX
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) July 7, 2024
Starmer confirms Rwanda deportation plan 'dead'
6 July, 2024
Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the Rwanda deportation scheme is "dead and buried", on his first full day as prime minister.
The Labour leader said he would end the "gimmick" of deporting migrants arriving in the UK illegally to Rwanda, which was established by the previous Conservative government.
BBC