Sir Keir Starmer has revealed more than 24,000 migrants have been deported since Labour came to office.
Amid mounting concern over the Government’s plan to end the Channel crisis, the Prime Minister said he was introducing “tough” measures to deter crossings.
He pointed to a 21% increase in enforced returns and a 16% increase in foreign national offenders being removed from the UK since July 5.
Sir Keir said: “Immigration crime funds the vile people-smuggling gangs that trade in human misery, breach our borders and threaten Britain’s economic security.
“This government is taking back control, doing the hard graft needed to deliver results, working with our international allies to smash these gangs and secure our borders.
“We’ve already removed more than 24,000 people with no right to be here and we’re finally shutting down exploitative illegal working, dismantling criminal networks, while forcing people-smuggling gangs out of business.
“For too long, the UK was a soft touch. That ends now. No more gimmicks, no empty promises, just serious action for British security.”
More than 6,600 migrants have crossed the Channel this year, up 31% on last year.
He wrote in a national newspaper column: “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.
“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.
“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.”
