Cracking Down on People Smuggling: UK and Albania Join Forces

Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to "retake control of the borders" as he embarks on his first official visit to Albania, where he is expected to unveil new measures to combat organised crime and illegal immigration.

The UK plans to strengthen intelligence sharing with Albanian law enforcement and provide additional funding for forensic capabilities as part of the announced initiatives.

Since January, more than 12,000 people have crossed the Channel, setting 2025 on track to break records. Speaking in Albania, Starmer criticised the previous government for losing control of the borders, stating, "We must make a concerted effort to dismantle the gangs operating this vile trade."

He noted that increased cooperation with Albania had already reduced those numbers and expressed a desire to "see more of that."

Immigration has been a key focus for the government this week, coinciding with the release of a White Paper outlining plans to cut legal migration.

According to the government, Albanian small boat arrivals have decreased by 95% over the past three years, and the number of Albanians returned has doubled in the last two years.

During his visit, Starmer is expected to announce the expansion of the Joint Migration Task Force – which targets people smugglers in the Western Balkans – to include North Macedonia.

The enhanced collaboration with Albania will also address a "revolving door effect," where migrants return home, evade authorities, and attempt to leave again, the government said.

The proposed measures include:

• A programme to support young Albanians with reintegration and employment opportunities

• Funding a new forensic evidence initiative to share and track DNA of criminals in Albania to solve UK crimes

• A £1 million investment to upgrade Albania's forensic, biometric, and digital capabilities

• Increased intelligence sharing, using UK-funded drones to monitor gang activities in the Western Balkans corridor

However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp dismissed the visit as "pure theatre," arguing that the Conservatives had already initiated a successful returns deal with Albania.

Philp questioned the purpose of Starmer’s trip, stating, "If the scheme is already working, why is Starmer flying out to Tirana for a handshake and claiming credit?"