Keir Starmer will describe the border crisis as a “national security” threat this week and launch a team to catch people smugglers, UK government sources have confirmed.
The prime minister is expected to address irregular migration at two events this week amid growing concern within No 10 that small boats arriving across the Channel will remain a crucial issue during this parliament.
His language will be closely examined by refugee organisations that have warned that the government should not demonise people seeking asylum in the UK.
Starmer will use a speech at the Interpol general assembly in Glasgow on Monday to announce funding and powers for officers to launch anti-smuggling operations.
A new organised immigration crime intelligence unit of specialist investigators is being created to tackle the crisis, he will say.
Later in the week, he will hold talks on the boats crisis with European leaders, including the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, at a summit in Hungary.
Starmer told the Sun on Sunday: “Organised immigration crime does not stop at our borders and cannot be defeated by one country acting in isolation.
“The UK is rebuilding its alliances across the world so we can take down these gangs that trade in human misery and the hope they find in their victims.
“No more gimmicks or wasted money – these gangs must be stopped, our asylum system brought under control and our borders secured.”
Starmer will tell a gathering at the Interpol assembly that he will use counter-terror tactics to stop people smugglers. These could include the ability to shut down bank accounts, cut off internet access and seize evidence before offences take place.
A No 10 source told the newspaper: “The vile people-smuggling gangs must be stopped. Illegal boat crossings risk our nation’s security. We are banging heads together at home, and equipping enforcement organisations with the tools they need to take down the gangs.
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“And we’re not just ramping up funding to tackle this problem at source, we’re stamping it on to the agenda in conversations with European leaders.
“Keir’s smashed criminal gangs before, he’s doing the same with people smuggling ones.”
Starmer will chair his first monthly meeting of key cabinet ministers on illegal migration on Tuesday to make sure progress is made on the government mission.
The Home Office said 230 people crossed the English Channel in small boats on Thursday. During October, 5,417 people made the crossing, the highest monthly figure since October 2022. The total for 2024 so far stands at 30,661.