UK's Bold Move: £100 Million Anti-Smuggling Investment Unveiled

The UK government has unveiled a substantial £100 million investment to tackle the escalating issue of illegal migration, primarily focused on dismantling people-smuggling networks. The investment will see a significant boost in resources for the National Crime Agency (NCA), including 300 additional officers and advanced detection technologies.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of the initiative, which is designed to enhance intelligence capabilities and disrupt smuggling operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond. The strategy also involves a new 'one-in, one-out' agreement with France to return migrants arriving via small boats illegally.

In addition to these measures, the government plans to clamp down on the misuse of student visas as a loophole for legal entry and asylum claims. The initiative is a direct response to the record-breaking number of dangerous crossings last month, with more than 25,000 migrants entering the UK illegally.

(With inputs from agencies.)