In a significant move to tackle the issue of illegal migration, Germany is expected to alter its laws by year's end, making it illegal to assist in the smuggling of migrants to the UK. This announcement coincides with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's inaugural visit to the UK, where new agreements addressing migration, business, and defense will be discussed and signed.
Germany to Strengthen Laws Against People-Smuggling During UK Visit
Germany to Strengthen Laws Against People-Smuggling During UK Visit
Germany is poised to enhance its legislation aimed at curbing migrant smuggling to the UK as part of a new bilateral agreement with the UK.
As the UK grapples with rising numbers of small boat crossings in the Channel, more than 21,000 individuals have arrived this year alone, marking a substantial 56% increase compared to last year. The UK government has faced criticism over its handling of border security, prompting Merz to commit to legal reforms in Germany which will aid in the crackdown on smuggling operations.
Currently, it is not against the law in Germany to facilitate migration to non-EU countries, which now includes the UK post-Brexit. This legislative change will empower German law enforcement to take action against warehouses utilized by smugglers to store boats for Channel crossings.
Downing Street lauded this commitment from Chancellor Merz, emphasizing its importance in disrupting supply chains for dangerous vessels that facilitate illegal crossings. The announcement follows the UK’s new pilot returns scheme with France, which aims to curb the increasing numbers of migrants through a “one in, one out” approach.
In addition to migration discussions, defense exports and security measures are key agenda items for the meeting, where both leaders will also contemplate bilateral support for Ukraine. Furthermore, plans for a new UK-Germany Business Forum are set to facilitate commercial investments, with significant financial commitments announced during the visit, expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the UK.
As the UK government continues to face scrutiny regarding its border management, the forthcoming changes in German legislation and cooperative efforts with France may provide critical avenues to address the ongoing migration crisis in the English Channel.
Currently, it is not against the law in Germany to facilitate migration to non-EU countries, which now includes the UK post-Brexit. This legislative change will empower German law enforcement to take action against warehouses utilized by smugglers to store boats for Channel crossings.
Downing Street lauded this commitment from Chancellor Merz, emphasizing its importance in disrupting supply chains for dangerous vessels that facilitate illegal crossings. The announcement follows the UK’s new pilot returns scheme with France, which aims to curb the increasing numbers of migrants through a “one in, one out” approach.
In addition to migration discussions, defense exports and security measures are key agenda items for the meeting, where both leaders will also contemplate bilateral support for Ukraine. Furthermore, plans for a new UK-Germany Business Forum are set to facilitate commercial investments, with significant financial commitments announced during the visit, expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the UK.
As the UK government continues to face scrutiny regarding its border management, the forthcoming changes in German legislation and cooperative efforts with France may provide critical avenues to address the ongoing migration crisis in the English Channel.
