At the upcoming Interpol General Meeting in Glasgow, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will classify people smuggling as a national security issue, amid rising numbers of illegal Channel crossings.
In his address to the upcoming Interpol General Assembly, he plans to establish a specialized investigative unit equipped with counter-terrorism powers aimed at dismantling smuggling networks responsible for the increase in small boat crossings .
This new approach marks a significant shift in government policy, as authorities seek to curb the activities of organized crime gangs facilitating illegal immigration into Britain.
As well as announcing the new Organized Immigration Crime Intelligence Unit, Sir Keir is planning a week of diplomatic meetings, including meetings with European leaders at a summit in Hungary. Stressing the need for international cooperation, he stated: “Organized immigration crime does not stop at our borders and cannot be defeated by one country operating in isolation. Britain is rebuilding its alliances around the world to dismantle these gangs that exploit human suffering.”
The new measures include enhanced powers for investigators, including closing bank accounts, cutting off internet access and preventively seizing evidence linked to human trafficking.
92nd General Assembly
The 92nd Session of the INTERPOL General Assembly, to be held in Glasgow from 4 to 7 November 2024, will bring together representatives from 195 Member States to discuss crucial global policing issues and make decisions. This annual event is INTERPOL’s highest decision-making body and provides a forum for key decisions on policy, international cooperation initiatives and the allocation of resources to combat cross-border crime.
A key focus at this year’s meeting will be the election of a new Secretary General, with Brazil’s Valdecy Urquiza nominated to succeed Jürgen Stock, who is completing his ten-year term. In addition to the appointment of Secretary General, the Assembly will also elect nine members to the Executive Committee, while panels and discussions will cover topics such as biometric advancements, the role of AI in future policing, multilateral security strategies and leadership development in law enforcement.
Safety measures for the event include strict drone restrictions over the Scottish Events Campus, where the meeting is being held. These restrictions are designed to ensure the safety and security of delegates and attendees, with Police Scotland co-ordinating security efforts in collaboration with other agencies.
British officials have stressed the importance of hosting the event in Glasgow. Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat noted earlier this year: “Global challenges require global solutions. Hosting the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow underlines Britain’s role as a world leader in security and policing, and demonstrates our steadfast commitment to tackling global threats such as organized crime, terrorism and fraud.”
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance echoed these sentiments, highlighting Glasgow’s reputation as a host to international events. “The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with partners in the UK Government, law enforcement agencies, local government and Police Scotland… as we welcome delegates from around the world to Glasgow,” Constance stated.
Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Crime Agency, expressed his pride in Britain’s role as host country and the involvement of the National Crime Agency. “We are extremely proud to be the host law enforcement agency for the 2024 General Assembly and to lead the UK delegation,” he noted. “Crime knows no borders, so now more than ever Britain must work with its partners around the world to ensure criminals have nowhere to hide so we can protect our citizens.”
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