Last year we removed almost 20,000 people from the UK by their own choice, nearly double the number in 2022. By bolstering these programmes in countries like Libya, we can have a significant impact on stopping the record numbers of people headed towards our continent.
We have already seen evidence that this works. Similar assistance provided to Tunisia allowed them to return thousands of migrants to their home countries last year.
The timing for this has never been more critical. We are taking these steps as arrivals into Europe from north Africa are at an all-time high.
More than 150,000 migrants arrived in Italy by sea last year having crossed the Mediterranean – an increase from 2022 – with many of these crossings departing from Libya.
During my visit, I discussed the ongoing challenge with the Libyan prime minister and held productive meetings in Tripoli with representatives from the EU, UN, France, Germany and Malta.
Of course, everyone understands that these are deep-rooted and difficult issues.
But on the visit, and indeed ever since my appointment, I have detected a genuine will on all sides to grapple with this growing global crisis.
I was also able to observe close co-operation between Libyan law enforcement and the UK’s National Crime Agency. Just as governments must work in tandem, so the services on the front line must collaborate wherever possible to disrupt and dismantle the people smuggling gangs.
The new funding I announced is only the latest step in our drive to bolster international efforts, building on our new deal with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and agreements with other countries including Vietnam and Albania.
The Prime Minister and Home Secretary have been unequivocal that we will confront this challenge head on.
Thanks to their leadership, we are seeing progress, with small boat crossings to the UK down by 36 per cent last year, even as numbers jumped up elsewhere in Europe.
There is more to be done. The strain that illegal migration places on taxpayers and on our public services has real-life consequences for British people, and we know they rightly expect us to be relentless in tackling this.
This isn’t just Libya or North Africa; it isn’t just Europe. It is a global challenge. And we are getting on with the job. We will do whatever it takes to secure our borders, reform our immigration system, and stop the boats.
