"We have a history of brilliant law enforcement cooperation to put the criminal smuggling gangs where they belong behind bars. This government will continue to work closely with international partners as we restore order and control to UK borders."
"Local police suggested the recent rise was because of increased pressure on smugglers in France. Officials said boat launches had previously been limited because the Channel crossing is longer from Belgium."
"The Belgian Federal Police said it was stepping up patrols, both on land and at sea, as well as from the air with the deployment of the Frontex aircraft. The small number of recent launches off Belgium involved so called 'taxi-boats', which pick up migrants in the sea before heading along the coast to France."
UK Border Security Minister Alex Norris visited Belgium to discuss illegal migration and people smuggling with Belgian Interior and Asylum ministers. The visit addresses recent attempts by smugglers to launch small boats from Belgian coastal towns including De Panne, Koksijde, and Nieuwpoort. Police have increased patrols in response to this shift in smuggling activity, which experts attribute to increased pressure on smugglers operating from France. Belgian authorities are deploying additional resources including land, sea, and aerial patrols with Frontex aircraft support. Recent launches involve 'taxi-boats' that pick up migrants at sea before traveling along the coast. Health and safety concerns exist regarding longer Channel crossings from Belgian beaches.
#people-smuggling #small-boat-crossings #belgium-migration #border-security #international-cooperation
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