O'Callaghan To Attend Immigration Summit In London

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The Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan will attend an Organised Immigration Crime Summit in London later today, where efforts to tackle people smuggling will be discussed.

Representatives from over 40 countries are also expected to attend today's summit which has been organised by the UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

During today's summit Minister O'Callaghan will take part in bilateral discussions with participants, including the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner and Belgium's Minister for Security and Home Affairs, Bernard Quintin.

When he opens the summit later this morning, it is expected that Mr Starmer will tell delegates that countries must work together to combat smuggling, "we've got to combine our resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream at every step of the people smuggling routes".

The UK has seen an increase in small boat arrivals in recent months, with over 5,000 people crossing the English Channel so far this year, a record number for this time of year.

The government scrapped the controversial Rwanda Scheme when it came to power, which Conservatives argued would act as a deterrent. However, Labour government insiders now believe that improved diplomatic relations with European counterparts will help reduce illegal immigration.

Ms Cooper will tell today's gathering that, "the UK's global leadership on this issue is already delivering results. France has agreed to launch a unit of specialist officers who are mobile, highly trained and equipped to respond dynamically to prevent small boat launches".

He is also expected to discuss ways to disrupt criminal supply chains, such as the equipment, infrastructure and fraudulent documents that are used by gangs.