Germany to Enforce Stricter Laws Against People Smuggling as Chancellor Visits the UK

The German government has announced it will enact stricter legislation by year-end to address illegal migration, particularly focusing on the gang activities facilitating crossings to the UK. This move, welcomed by UK leadership, follows a week of bilateral agreements on various issues, including defense and business.

Germany is preparing to enhance its legal framework to curb the smuggling of migrants to the UK by the end of the year, according to a recent announcement from Downing Street. The update comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz embarks on his inaugural visit to the UK, where both nations will solidify their cooperative stance on multiple fronts, including migration and defense.

Currently, facilitating illegal migration to countries outside the European Union, including the post-Brexit UK, is not expressly prohibited in German law. However, the new legislation is expected to empower authorities in Germany to investigate and dismantle operations related to storage facilities housing boats intended for illegal Channel crossings.

Previously, an investigative report revealed a significant German connection to the surge in illegal crossings via small boats. The impending law changes were initially agreed upon under the prior government, but Chancellor Merz is set to affirm the commitment to implement these changes promptly.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed strong support for Chancellor Merz’s initiative to tackle the networks that supply dangerous vessels for illegal crossings. This agreement aligns with recent announcements from the UK regarding a new pilot returns scheme with France, designed to manage the influx of migrants crossing the Channel.

The figures indicate that over 21,000 individuals have made the perilous journey this year alone, marking a 56% surge compared to the same timeframe the previous year, intensifying calls for effective border management strategies. Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the government's current approach, arguing that the situation at the Channel remains a crisis, further urging the need for robust deterrent measures.

In addition to migration talks, the visit will also emphasize defense collaboration. Notable agreements include an initiative to enhance UK defense exports and the formation of a UK-Germany Business Forum to promote investment, promising over £200 million in commercial investments, which are expected to generate approximately 600 new jobs.

Among the beneficiaries of this collaboration is the defense technology firm STARK, which plans to create 100 jobs with a new facility in Swindon, marking its first venture outside Germany. This developing partnership signifies a concerted effort by both nations to tackle pressing issues collaboratively while fostering economic growth and security.