In an effort to curb illegal migration, Germany plans to introduce stricter laws targeting people-smuggling operations by the end of the year. This initiative coincides with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's first official visit to the UK, during which a comprehensive agreement covering various sectors including migration, business, and defense is expected to be signed.
Germany Strengthens Laws Against People-Smuggling Amid UK Collaboration
Germany Strengthens Laws Against People-Smuggling Amid UK Collaboration
Germany aims to enhance its legislation to combat migrant smuggling to the UK as Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarks on his inaugural UK visit.
Downing Street has announced that the forthcoming legislative changes will criminalize the facilitation of illegal migration to the UK. Currently, German law does not consider it illegal to assist migrants traveling to countries outside the European Union, which now includes the UK post-Brexit. The changes are seen as a necessary step to empower German authorities in their efforts to investigate and dismantle the networks operating warehouses and storage sites for boats intended for Channel crossings.
Despite the previous government agreeing to strengthen these laws in December, Chancellor Merz is anticipated to expedite the process and ensure that it is completed by year-end. A BBC investigation has previously shed light on Germany's significant role in facilitating small boat crossings, revealing its status as a key location for storing such vessels and their engines.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, applauded Merz's intent to alter the legislation and disrupt the supply chains for the dangerous dinghies used to transport migrants across the Channel. This move aligns with ongoing efforts by the UK government to address the increasing influx of small boat arrivals, which have surged by 56% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The situation has fueled criticism from the Conservative party, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp emphasizing that the surge signifies an ongoing crisis in the Channel.
In addition to migration matters, defense cooperation is also on the agenda, with discussions centered around support for Ukraine. The leaders plan to announce a new agreement aimed at bolstering UK defense exports, such as Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets, through joint export initiatives that could result in billions of pounds in defense contracts over the upcoming years.
Moreover, a cooperation treaty will launch a UK-Germany Business Forum to stimulate investment between the two nations. The visit is expected to unveil over £200 million in commercial investments in the UK, which would create more than 600 jobs across various enterprises. Among the companies participating in this initiative is defense technology firm STARK, which is set to create 100 jobs with a new facility in Swindon, marking its first expansion outside Germany.
Despite the previous government agreeing to strengthen these laws in December, Chancellor Merz is anticipated to expedite the process and ensure that it is completed by year-end. A BBC investigation has previously shed light on Germany's significant role in facilitating small boat crossings, revealing its status as a key location for storing such vessels and their engines.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, applauded Merz's intent to alter the legislation and disrupt the supply chains for the dangerous dinghies used to transport migrants across the Channel. This move aligns with ongoing efforts by the UK government to address the increasing influx of small boat arrivals, which have surged by 56% in 2024 compared to the previous year. The situation has fueled criticism from the Conservative party, with shadow home secretary Chris Philp emphasizing that the surge signifies an ongoing crisis in the Channel.
In addition to migration matters, defense cooperation is also on the agenda, with discussions centered around support for Ukraine. The leaders plan to announce a new agreement aimed at bolstering UK defense exports, such as Boxer armored vehicles and Typhoon jets, through joint export initiatives that could result in billions of pounds in defense contracts over the upcoming years.
Moreover, a cooperation treaty will launch a UK-Germany Business Forum to stimulate investment between the two nations. The visit is expected to unveil over £200 million in commercial investments in the UK, which would create more than 600 jobs across various enterprises. Among the companies participating in this initiative is defense technology firm STARK, which is set to create 100 jobs with a new facility in Swindon, marking its first expansion outside Germany.
