Prime Minister Keir Starmer also vowed that his government would “collaborate with European partners to exchange intelligence data and expertise, aiming to dismantle the smuggling networks.”

“But to stop illegal migration, we must also tackle it at source. So today I’m announcing £84 million of new funding for projects across Africa and the Middle East. That includes humanitarian and health support, skills training, help with job opportunities and access to education,” the politician said.

In the year leading up to March 2024, there were 38,546 irregular arrivals in the United Kingdom, according to the government.

Last week, Rwanda’s government declined to refund the $350 million it had received upfront after the UK’s new Labour government canceled a contentious asylum agreement with the African nation. This deal had involved the relocation of illegal immigrants from the UK to Rwanda in exchange for British funds.