Labour is to provide an extra £100 million for the “one-in, one out” migrant deal between France and the UK.
The National Crime Agency will receive some money to pay for 300 new officers as part of Labour’s manifesto promise to “smash” the smuggling gangs.
There will be more money to pay for overtime for immigration compliance and there will be money set aside for interventions in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said, “Now this additional funding will strengthen every aspect of our plan and will turbo-charge the ability of our law enforcement agencies to track the gangs and bring them down, working with our partners overseas, and using state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
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Alongside our new agreements with France, this will help us drive forward our plan for change commitments to protect the UK’s border security and restore order to our immigration system.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said, “Labour has failed and their laughable claim to smash the gangs lies in tatters. They have no serious plan, just excuses, while ruthless criminal gangs flood our borders with illegal immigrants.
The British public deserves real action, not empty slogans and tinkering at the edges. The Conservative Deportation Bill is the only real solution. Immediate detention, rapid removal and shutting down these illegal networks for good.”
Nigel Farage told the Daily Express, “This is not the first time we have seen a Labour or Conservative government throw taxpayer money at the illegal immigration crisis and hope it will go away.
“After all, we have sent over £800 million to France since this all began, for very little in return.
“Keir Starmer told us he would smash the gangs — first in opposition, and then continued since entering No 10. In reality, all he has smashed are records on illegal immigration instead. In fact, crossings are up 50% on this time last year.
“Another £100 million here or there won’t move the needle. It won’t stop the boats or the gangs.”
