Former police chief Martin Hewitt has been appointed to head the UK’s new Border Security Command, tasked with tackling small boat crossings in the English Channel.
Hewitt, who previously chaired the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), will lead efforts to curb illegal migration, working alongside police, intelligence agencies, and border force officials to dismantle smuggling networks behind the crossings.
Hewitt’s appointment comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer embarks on a visit to Rome to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aiming to learn from Italy’s strategies in dealing with migration. Italy has recently seen a significant decrease in the number of migrants attempting the dangerous journey from North Africa to Europe. During their trip, Starmer and Hewitt will tour Italy’s National Coordination Centre for Migration, focusing on how Italy has managed to curb migrant arrivals.
Reducing the number of people crossing from France in small boats is a major challenge for the new Labour government. Over the weekend, eight people died attempting the perilous Channel crossing. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for decisive action.
“No more gimmicks. This government will tackle the smuggling gangs who trade the lives of men, women, and children across borders,” he stated.
Hewitt, who led the NPCC from 2019 to 2023, brings extensive experience in coordinating national police efforts on issues such as terrorism and organized crime. His role at the Border Security Command will be critical in strengthening international law enforcement cooperation to address the complex and dangerous network of people smuggling.
While in Rome, Starmer will also explore Italy’s migration agreement with Albania, which involves sending migrants rescued at sea to Albania while their asylum claims are processed. Although Starmer has expressed interest in this model, it remains to be seen whether a similar deal will be pursued by the UK.
Italy’s sharp reduction in migrant crossings is largely attributed to financial deals with North African countries like Tunisia and Libya, focusing on border security and economic support. This cooperation has been key to reducing the number of boats leaving for Europe.
The UK government has positioned Hewitt’s appointment as a serious attempt to tackle the crisis at the borders. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts, contrasting this approach with the previous Conservative government’s controversial Rwanda scheme, which Labour scrapped.
“We’ve got to take practical steps. We’re not going to do this through headlines. We’re going to do it through hard work,” stated Cooper.
Despite some criticism from rights groups and Labour MPs about engaging with Meloni’s right-wing government, Cooper defended the government’s stance, citing the necessity of working with democratic neighbors to tackle shared challenges such as illegal migration.
BBC, the Guardian, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
