Believe me, I get it. You are RIGHT to be angry about illegal migration, KEIR STARMER writes

I know many of you are angry about illegal migration. You’re right to be. British people are compassionate and fair-minded. 

But we all pay the price for insecure borders – from the cost of accommodating migrants to the strain on our public services. It is a basic question of fairness.

And don’t think for one moment that it’s a good outcome for illegal migrants either. So many of these desperate people are the victims of appalling exploitation.

So, believe me: I get it. Which is why at the heart of our promise of change, is a promise to restore your security. 

Securing our borders and smashing vile people-smuggling gangs is one of the most important responsibilities I will ever have as your Prime Minister.

Those on the fringes of British politics thrive on this insecurity. But their offer is hollow.

I opposed the Tories’ Rwanda scheme not just because it was a gimmick designed to sound tough and get headlines. But because it was a hollow pledge to working people which had no prospect of ever being fulfilled. A slogan isn’t a solution. Instead, it undermines trust in mainstream politics as a force for good.

I know some of you will read this with scepticism and assume that nothing can or will be done. I am determined to prove the opposite.

In a piece for the Daily Mail, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has promised to ‘restore your security’

A view of small boats and outboard motors used by people thought to be migrants to cross the Channel from France at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent — February 11, 2025 

An inflatable dinghy carrying around 65 migrants crosses the English Channel — March 6, 2024 

I accept my approach is not glamorous but it’s how I do business: sleeves rolled up, getting the details right, doing the hard graft.

This plan is drawn on what I know works from my years of experience as our country’s chief prosecutor: that international co-operation is the foundation of securing Britain’s borders.

When I was the Director of Public Prosecutions, we worked across Europe and beyond to foil numerous terrorist plots, saving thousands of lives in the process. 

It is obvious to me that we should treat organised immigration crime in the same way.

That’s why, today, I am bringing together representatives from more than 40 countries in an unprecedented international effort. 

We’re pulling every possible lever, from the supply chain for small boats to illicit finance and social media – with Meta, X and TikTok all joining the summit today. Already our new approach is delivering results. 

France has said it wants to change its rules so law enforcement officers can deal with small boats in shallow waters.

Germany will strengthen its laws against those who facilitate smuggling to the UK, so we can break into warehouses storing boat parts. A joint taskforce with Italy is hitting smugglers’ finances.

This collaborative approach is transforming border security at home. We inherited the most extraordinary disconnect between policing, our Border Force and our intelligence agencies. 

I was shocked. That’s why we’ve created our new £150 million Border Security Command, together with new powers and new criminal offences.

By redirecting staff and resources from the Rwanda scheme to enforcement, we’re removing illegal migrants at the highest rate in eight years. We’ve taken down 18,000 social media accounts.

Sir Keir Starmer addresses members of staff during a visit to Camira Manufacturing Facility in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire — March 28, 2025 

This aerial picture taken on September 16, 2023 shows migrants onboard of a dinghy used for smuggling as they attempt to cross the English Channel to Britain 

We’re imposing sanctions that treat smugglers like terrorists. We’ve ramped up raids on illegal working and today we’re setting out plans to close a loophole that allowed businesses to avoid checks on those in short-term or zero-hours roles – so that Britain is no longer a soft touch for illegal working.

Me reeling off a list of actions isn’t what the British people are looking for. I know that. People want to know we will give them security – in their jobs, in their streets, in the promise of opportunities for their kids. I can promise we will.

It isn’t gimmicks – or more populism – that will solve this problem. It is practical government. That is the change this Labour Government brings.

That’s how we will smash the gangs, secure our borders and restore your faith in the ability of mainstream politics to deliver for you.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk