UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledges tougher action on Channel crossings

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she is "laser‑light focused" and will do "whatever it takes" to secure the United Kingdom’s border while touring the National Crime Agency’s offices in Stratford. She highlighted that removals have risen 41% since Labour took power in 2024, with more than 70,000 deportations, and announced a plan to double NCA officers to combat people‑smuggling gangs.

Mahmood noted that the government’s efforts to curb small‑boat crossings in the Channel are beginning to "bear fruit", but acknowledged the need for further immigration reform and safe, legal routes for students and workers. She expressed concern over recent migrant deaths, describing four recent fatalities as a "tragedy". NCA director‑general Rob Jones warned that smuggling networks are ruthless and often based abroad, requiring stronger overseas partnerships.

The Home Secretary also signalled upcoming announcements on expanding safe pathways later in the autumn, aiming to change the calculus that drives migrants to attempt the dangerous crossing.