The international meeting to address the global threat of illegal migration is being held in the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to lead the summit with over 40 countries in attendance. The goal of the talks, which kick off on Monday, is to disrupt the activities of people-smuggling gangs and avoid creating divisions between nations. This is the first of its kind meeting and seeks to achieve concrete outcomes and enhance international cooperation.
The issue of immigration is of significant political importance for the UK government, with both the Conservatives and Reform UK accusing Labour of not effectively managing the issue. Ahead of the summit, the Home Office announced a £33m investment to combat people-smuggling networks and bolster prosecution efforts. Representatives from countries such as Vietnam, Albania, and Iraq, which are known origins of migrants to the UK, will participate in the summit occurring at London’s Lancaster House, alongside representatives from France, China, and the US.
The UK has witnessed a rise in small boat arrivals, with over 6,000 people crossing the Channel in 2025, marking a record-start to the year. The government has previously announced agreements with other countries in an attempt to reduce the number of such arrivals. Prime Minister Sir Keir is driving for the UK to take a leading role in addressing irregular migration globally. The summit reflects the government’s stance that only through international collaboration along smuggling routes can the issue be effectively tackled.
During the summit, the Prime Minister is expected to highlight his experiences working across borders while serving as director of public prosecutions, to thwart criminal activities. He will underscore the need to treat organized immigration crime with utmost seriousness and emphasize the exploitation that occurs across institutions and nations due to the prevalence of the illegal trade. The Home Office anticipates that concrete outcomes will be achieved, benefiting nations across various regions including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America
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