British premier says 'absolutely determined' to 'retake control of the borders'
'What we've done in our joint work with Albania is shown that by working with other countries... we've driven down those numbers,' says Keir Starmer
LONDON
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday pledged a renewed crackdown on migrant smuggling gangs during a visit to Albania, highlighting the country’s commitment to combating illegal crossings to Britain.
Speaking to broadcasters in Albania, Starmer defended the UK’s financial investment abroad aimed at preventing irregular migrants from reaching the north coast of France—a primary launch point for Channel crossings.
"It is totally unacceptable that anybody is getting on a small boat and crossing the Channel to the UK," he said.
"The last government lost control of the borders. I'm determined that we'll retake control of the borders. That means that we've got to have a concerted effort to smash the gangs that are running this vile trade," he added.
Starmer noted that recent months have seen "high-profile arrests" in several countries, including Iraq, indicating a level of international cooperation that had not previously been possible.
He added that authorities had seized assets from smuggling gangs and returned the "maximum number" of illegal migrants.
"But what we've done in our joint work with Albania is shown that by working with other countries... we've driven down those numbers," he said.
"I want to see more of that. I'm absolutely determined that we're going to clear up the mess that we've been left and make sure that we get the control that we need of our borders."
Starmer concluded with a call to action for international partners, urging all involved to "keep bearing down on this issue."
The government is also planning to tighten visa controls, restrictions, requirements, or scrutiny for individuals who have evidence of abuse, based on a clear assessment of the risk.
The new policy will extend English language requirements to a wider range of immigration routes for both main applicants and their dependents "to ensure a better knowledge of English, including an assessment of improvements over time."
The prime minister noted earlier Monday that the plan will double the standard qualifying period for settlement to 10 years.
Starmer has faced criticism for saying that the UK is 'becoming an island of strangers.'
