Starmer’s smuggling gang vow in tatters as UK ‘business booms’ for people movers | World | News

Despite a sharp decline in irregular migration across the European Union, the flow of people trying to reach the UK illegally shows no signs of slowing down, a development that reflects badly on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a Brussels-based expert said. New figures from Frontex, the EU’s border and coast guard agency, reveal detections of irregular crossings at the EU’s external borders have fallen by more than a quarter to almost 178,000 in 2025; This figure is less than half the total recorded in 2023 and the lowest level since 2021.

However, the data only covers EU countries and does not include the UK, where Channel crossings are recorded separately. UK Home Office figures show more than 41,000 people will arrive in the UK on small boats in 2025; this is the second highest annual total in history. Internationally renowned sociologist, author and social commentator Frank Furedi said the UK stood out in the data for its failure to prevent human trafficking.

Mr Furedi is Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent, Executive Director of the Brussels-based think tank MCC Brussels, and the author of more than 25 books on culture, risk and society. He appears frequently on radio and television and writes widely on public policy and immigration issues.

He said: “According to this report, illegal migrant trafficking continues to be a thriving industry in the UK. Despite all the rhetoric, successive governments have failed to curb the activities of people smugglers. ‘Detected’ illegal migration to EU countries may have fallen, but in the UK the rate has remained stable. The UK stands out as the country least responsive to the people smuggling industry.”

He continued: “Just like the Conservatives’ promise to stop the boats, Keir Starmer’s promise to crack down on gangs was nothing more than a shibboleth to win votes. They had no intention of doing anything about it. This new data proves that criminal gangs’ business is still booming, thanks to Labor.”

Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens said: “The trend is moving in the right direction, but the risks are not going away. This decline shows that cooperation can deliver results. This is not an invitation to relax. Our responsibility is to remain vigilant, support Member States on the ground and ensure that Europe is ready for new challenges at its borders.”

Mr Leijtens added: “Staying prepared is about practical choices. This means the readiness of duty officers, assets and close cooperation with national authorities and non-EU partners. This is how Frontex helps Europe stay ready for whatever happens next.”

Frontex data shows that the Central Mediterranean route continues to be the busiest migration corridor in 2025, and outflows from Libya continue to shape movements towards Italy. Detections along the Eastern Mediterranean route fell overall, but some corridors saw sharp increases; This shows how rapidly migration pressures can change even in a broader downward environment.

The West African route experienced the steepest decline in irregular crossings due to a decline in departures from Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal.

In the Western Balkans, detections have decreased significantly due to increased security measures and joint Frontex operations, including a new mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina launched in November 2025. The Western Mediterranean route, by contrast, recorded a small increase, mainly from Algeria.

Dangers at sea remain serious: According to the International Organization for Migration, at least 1,878 people died in 2025 while 2,573 people tried to cross the Mediterranean in 2024. Frontex aircraft and ships support national authorities by detecting vessels in distress and sharing real-time information to improve situational awareness and search and rescue preparedness.

While the EU’s figures highlight the impact of coordinated border management between member states, Mr Furedi’s assessment highlights a sharp contrast to the UK’s experience.

He argues that despite repeated political promises from both the Conservatives and Labor, attempts to cross the Channel illegally continue at a steady pace, leaving criminal gangs free to profit.

For Europe, investment in surveillance, cooperation with non-EU partners and new systems such as the Entry/Exit System and the European Travel Information and Authorization System are central to continued progress. Mr Furedi warns that for the UK, the business of human trafficking continues unabated and political promises are not being fulfilled.