Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on Small Boats (Channel Crossings)

Crackdown on Smugglers (strong) Position evolved

Keir Starmer's approach to Small Boats (Channel Crossings) centres on dismantling the organised crime groups responsible for facilitating the journeys, framing the issue as a matter of national security.

As Prime Minister, he immediately cancelled the Rwanda asylum plan, which he had previously dismissed as a costly 'gimmick' that was not a deterrent and would only affect a small fraction of arrivals.

His government established the Border Security Command, doubling its funding and equipping it with enhanced, counter-terrorism-style powers aimed at pursuing smugglers through financial tracking and surveillance to make the shores 'hostile territory' for them.

Timeline

  1. As Leader of the Opposition, Starmer set out Labour's first major plan to tackle small boat crossings.
  2. Starmer committed to scrapping the Rwanda scheme 'absolutely, flights and all' if Labour won the election, calling it a 'gimmick' and a 'waste of money'.
  3. Immediately upon becoming Prime Minister, Starmer confirmed the Rwanda scheme was 'dead and buried' and would not continue.
  4. Starmer announced an increase in funding for the Border Security Command and the application of counter-terrorism tactics against people smugglers.
  5. Starmer stated that anyone crossing the Channel unlawfully will be 'detained and sent back' as part of a new UK-France trial.

Actions Taken

  1. Policy Reversal
    Cancelled the Rwanda asylum deportation scheme immediately upon taking office.
  2. New Enforcement Body
    Established the Border Security Command to tackle smuggling gangs facilitating illegal Channel crossings.
  3. Increased Funding/Capability
    Announced a doubling of funding to £150m for the Border Security Command to hire specialist investigators and acquire high-tech surveillance equipment.
  4. International Agreement
    Agreed a pilot 'one in, one out' scheme with France to trial sending small boat migrants back to France in exchange for accepting an equivalent number via safe routes.

Key Quotes

The Rwanda scheme was dead and buried before it started. It's never been a deterrent.

Press conference as Prime Minister July 6, 2024 — Explaining the immediate cancellation of the Conservative government's flagship policy.

There's nothing progressive about turning a blind eye as men, women and children die in the Channel.

Interpol general assembly speech November 3, 2024 — Outlining the moral imperative for his security-focused approach to the crossings.

We're taking our approach to counter-terrorism, which we know works, and applying it to the gangs, with our new Border Security Command.

Interpol general assembly speech November 3, 2024 — Detailing the tactics to be used by the new border enforcement agency.

I am clear: we will not reward illegal entry. If you cross the Channel unlawfully, you will be detained and sent back.

Social media post (X) August 30, 2025 — Reiterating a firm stance against unlawful arrivals amid high crossing numbers.

Related Positions

  • Legal Migration Routes His government has restricted visa conditions and closed legal migration routes as part of wider efforts to control overall immigration levels.
  • Border Security Command This command is the primary operational body established by his government to execute his strategy against illegal Channel crossings.

Criticism

Refugee charities

Warned that enforcement measures alone will fail to stop the boats and could lead to desperate people taking more dangerous and deadly journeys.

Senior Labour backbencher

Expressed concern about the 'authoritarian framing' of the debate by the Labour leader when plans were first outlined.

Comparison

  • Rwanda Plan: Starmer immediately ended the previous government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, arguing it was ineffective and a 'gimmick' that would only remove less than 1% of arrivals.
  • Enforcement Focus: While the Conservative approach focused on offshore processing/deportation (Rwanda), Starmer's current policy prioritises dismantling the smuggling networks using enhanced domestic and international police/intelligence powers via the Border Security Command.