The UK and Turkey have reached a new agreement to combat people-smuggling networks as well as address illegal migration.
The partnership involves establishing a “centre of excellence” in Turkey to enhance collaboration and intelligence-sharing between law enforcement agencies.
The deal aims to disrupt the supply chain of parts for small boats used in illegal crossings through Europe.
However, the agreement does not include provisions for returning failed Turkish asylum seekers.
The centre of excellence, to be set up by the Turkish National Police, will facilitate the rapid sharing of intelligence, enabling swift actions based on information received.
Additional officers will be deployed to Turkey to facilitate cooperation between the UK’s National Crime Agency, Home Office staff stationed in the country, and their Turkish counterparts.
A memorandum of understanding will also expedite the exchange of customs data and intelligence.
The Home Office emphasized that small boats and their components play a crucial role in smuggling operations, with hundreds of parts estimated to be transported across Europe each year for this purpose.
While there has been an increase in the number of Turkish nationals crossing the English Channel to the UK in recent months, Turkey and the UK lack a formal returns agreement.
However, there are indications that progress might be made in this area during the upcoming UK-Turkey Migration Dialogue meeting scheduled for the autumn in London.
The European Union has a returns agreement with Turkey, which facilitates the return of migrants crossing into the EU from Turkey.
Since Brexit, the UK is no longer part of such arrangements between EU countries and other nations.
Immigration Minister Mr. Jenrick stated that the UK’s previous experience with returns arrangements within the European Union was not satisfactory.
While the UK desires to collaborate with the EU, there is a recognition that previous arrangements had shortcomings.
In response, Yvette Cooper, Labour’s shadow home secretary, advocated for a fresh and all-encompassing agreement involving the European Union, France, and neighboring countries.
Cooper emphasized the need for enhanced security cooperation with European partners to effectively address the challenges posed by people-smuggling networks.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman reiterated the UK’s commitment to combating people smuggling and illegal migration.
She emphasized the necessity of dismantling people-smuggling gangs and preventing illegal crossings, echoing the government’s stance on prioritizing efforts to address these issues.
The UK aims to strengthen its security cooperation with European partners and combat the activities of people-smuggling gangs in collaboration with Turkey and other countries.
“As I’ve made clear, we must do everything we can to smash the people smuggling gangs and stop the boats,” said Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Our law enforcement agencies will be able to collaborate on this global issue and address the small boat supply chain thanks to our collaboration with Turkey, a close neighbour and ally.