• UK government announces agreement with EU border agency Frontex to combat irregular immigration.
• The agreement facilitates intelligence exchange between Frontex and the UK Border Force to disrupt people-smuggling gangs.
• The deal is seen as a crucial step in tackling illegal migration and securing borders.

The government in London announced on Friday that the United Kingdom has signed an agreement with the EU border agency Frontex to jointly crack down on irregular immigration.

Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, prioritizing stopping migrants from crossing the Channel on boats from France before a general election due this year, has made this a priority.

According to a statement from Britain’s interior ministry, Friday’s agreement facilitates the exchange of intelligence between Frontex and the UK Border Force to help disrupt people-smuggling gangs.

The Home Office also stated that they agreed to collaborate on the development of new technologies, such as the use of drones to protect borders.

UK Border Force director general Phil Douglas and Frontex executive director Hans Leijtens signed the arrangement in London, with UK Interior Minister James Cleverly and the European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson witnessing the signing.

“Organized immigration crime and people smuggling are global challenges that require shared solutions and ambitions,” Cleverly said.

“Our landmark working arrangement between the UK and Frontex is another crucial step in tackling illegal migration, securing our borders and stopping the boats.”

The UK government reports that the number of migrants arriving on England’s south coast in rudimentary vessels fell by a third last year from a record high of 45,000 migrants in 2022.

The UK government labeled the deal as “the latest step” in its “plan to tackle illegal migration and criminal gangs,” with the issue expected to feature prominently in the general election campaign.

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