Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz announces new legislation to combat people-smuggling while fostering bilateral agreements with the UK.
Germany Implements Stricter Measures Against People-Smuggling During Chancellor's UK Visit
Germany Implements Stricter Measures Against People-Smuggling During Chancellor's UK Visit
New regulations aim to target migrant trafficking as Germany solidifies ties with the UK.
Germany is preparing to enforce stricter laws aimed at dismantling networks that facilitate the smuggling of migrants to the UK by year's end, according to a statement from Downing Street. This development coincides with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural official visit to the UK, where he will sign a new agreement encompassing migration, business partnerships, and defense cooperation.
The proposed legislation will make it illegal to facilitate illegal migration towards the UK from Germany. Previously, under German law, aiding migration to non-EU nations—following Brexit, the UK falls into this category—was not explicitly prohibited. The anticipated changes will empower German authorities to act against locations used by smugglers for hiding vessels intended for perilous Channel crossings to the UK.
While the prior German administration had agreed to tighten laws in December, Chancellor Merz is now expected to commit to defining and enforcing these regulations by the close of 2023. A BBC investigation revealed that Germany is becoming a key hub for the storage of boats and engines used in small boat crossings.
British opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed satisfaction with Merz’s commitment to alter German law to disrupt the supply routes of the dangerous vessels used for illegal migration across the Channel. This agreement follows the UK government's recent announcement of a pilot deportation scheme with France, during President Emmanuel Macron's state visit, to return some small boat arrivals to France in exchange for accepting an equal number of asylum seekers linked to the UK.
The rising number of individuals undertaking perilous Channel crossings has added pressure on Prime Minister Starmer’s government, with over 21,000 people making the journey so far this year—reflecting a 56% hike compared to the same period last year. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized Starmer’s management, labeling recent initiatives as hollow attempts to regain relevance amid an ongoing crisis at the borders.
In addition to migration discussions, defense and security matters will also be addressed during the visit. The leaders are expected to announce a collaboration to enhance UK defense exports, particularly in joint campaigns for military equipment, potentially yielding billions in economic benefits and job creation. As part of the visit, over £200 million worth of commercial investments in the UK is set to be revealed, promoting the creation of over 600 new jobs, including a significant expansion by defense tech company STARK in Swindon, marking its first move outside Germany.
The proposed legislation will make it illegal to facilitate illegal migration towards the UK from Germany. Previously, under German law, aiding migration to non-EU nations—following Brexit, the UK falls into this category—was not explicitly prohibited. The anticipated changes will empower German authorities to act against locations used by smugglers for hiding vessels intended for perilous Channel crossings to the UK.
While the prior German administration had agreed to tighten laws in December, Chancellor Merz is now expected to commit to defining and enforcing these regulations by the close of 2023. A BBC investigation revealed that Germany is becoming a key hub for the storage of boats and engines used in small boat crossings.
British opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed satisfaction with Merz’s commitment to alter German law to disrupt the supply routes of the dangerous vessels used for illegal migration across the Channel. This agreement follows the UK government's recent announcement of a pilot deportation scheme with France, during President Emmanuel Macron's state visit, to return some small boat arrivals to France in exchange for accepting an equal number of asylum seekers linked to the UK.
The rising number of individuals undertaking perilous Channel crossings has added pressure on Prime Minister Starmer’s government, with over 21,000 people making the journey so far this year—reflecting a 56% hike compared to the same period last year. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized Starmer’s management, labeling recent initiatives as hollow attempts to regain relevance amid an ongoing crisis at the borders.
In addition to migration discussions, defense and security matters will also be addressed during the visit. The leaders are expected to announce a collaboration to enhance UK defense exports, particularly in joint campaigns for military equipment, potentially yielding billions in economic benefits and job creation. As part of the visit, over £200 million worth of commercial investments in the UK is set to be revealed, promoting the creation of over 600 new jobs, including a significant expansion by defense tech company STARK in Swindon, marking its first move outside Germany.
