Dame Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, has expressed her gratitude to the thousands of Border Force and Immigration Enforcement staff working diligently to ensure

the UK’s borders remain secure over the festive season.

Across the nation, Border Force officers are sacrificing time with their families to conduct essential immigration and customs checks at ports and airports, patrol the coastline, and inspect vehicles, vessels, and cargo for illicit goods and illegal entrants. Similarly, Immigration Enforcement teams are continuing their critical work during this period, targeting organized crime groups exploiting the immigration system, conducting enforcement operations, and facilitating the removal of individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK.

Acknowledging a challenging year

Reflecting on the demanding year, Dame Angela praised the commitment of frontline staff, particularly in managing the record-breaking influx of small boat arrivals. The first six months of 2024 saw an 18% increase in such crossings compared to 2023 and a 6% rise from 2022’s record levels.

Despite these challenges, Border Force’s Small Boats Operational Command has achieved significant results, working with French counterparts to prevent nearly 27,000 attempted crossings and collaborating with Belgian authorities to seize over 450 boats and engines. Since July, nearly 13,500 individuals without legal grounds to stay in the UK have been returned, with four of the largest deportation flights in UK history occurring this year.

Combatting illegal drugs

Border Force has also played a pivotal role in intercepting illegal drugs. Between January and June 2024, officers made 22,719 drug seizures—a 19% increase from the same period in 2023. Over 90 tonnes of drugs, including party drugs, cocaine, and ketamine, were confiscated, representing a 92% rise in volume compared to the previous year. These efforts are a testament to the advanced technology, intelligence sharing, and dedication of the Border Force teams.

Among the confiscations were 19 tonnes of cocaine, 412 kilograms of ketamine, and 41 tonnes of herbal cannabis, highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance approach to drug smuggling and its commitment to safeguarding communities.

Minister’s statement

Dame Angela Eagle remarked: “Border Force and Immigration Enforcement officers work tirelessly to protect the public and keep the UK’s border secure, and this work continues over the Christmas period. 

Officers have faced an unprecedented set of challenges this year, with the new government inheriting the worst start to a year on record for small boat arrivals. 

Despite this, frontline staff have continued to demonstrate the highest levels of commitment and professionalism as they work to keep the public safe, maintain the integrity of the UK’s immigration system and safeguard vulnerable people. 

This work is set to continue as the government intensifies its efforts to reduce the number of individuals crossing the border via dangerous and illegal routes – working to break the business model of people smuggling gangs and ultimately saving lives as part of our Plan for Change. 

As we approach the end of the year, it is only right that we take stock of the progress made so far and take a moment on behalf of the whole country to say thank you”.

Delivering on the government’s commitments

The government remains committed to reducing illegal crossings and strengthening border security as part of its Plan for Change. Key measures introduced since taking office include:

- Establishing the Border Security Command, led by Martin Hewitt CBE QPM, with a £150 million budget to combat organized immigration crime.

- Launching international collaborations, such as the UK-Iraq border security pact and a joint action plan with Germany to dismantle smuggling networks.

- Hosting the Calais Group meeting in London, securing agreements with European ministers to enhance efforts against smuggling operations.

- Increasing National Crime Agency resources by deploying 100 additional intelligence officers across Europe and Europol to target smuggling activities upstream.

- Accelerating returns of failed asylum seekers, with 1,000 staff redeployed to strengthen enforcement operations.

The Small Boats Operational Command remains fully resourced throughout the Christmas period, ready to respond to any attempts at illegal Channel crossings. Teams in both the UK and France are on high alert, particularly given the hazardous winter weather conditions.

As the government intensifies its efforts to disrupt the business models of smuggling gangs, Dame Angela reaffirmed her commitment to reducing dangerous crossings and safeguarding lives. Photo by UK Home Office, Wikimedia commons.