German Chancellor To Pledge New Steps To Tackle Small Boat Crossings On UK Visit
2 min read
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to commit to new action to tackle illegal migration to the UK when he meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
The two countries will sign what the government described as a “first of its kind” deal when Merz makes his first visit to the UK since becoming German leader.
Starmer will host Merz in Downing Street, where the visiting chancellor is expected to announce that German law enforcement will be given new powers to tackle warehouses and storage facilities used by smuggling gangs to conceal the small boats used in Channel crossings.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister said: “Chancellor Merz’s commitment to make necessary changes to German law to disrupt the supply lines of dangerous vessels which carry illegal migrants across the Channel is hugely welcome.
"As the closest of allies, we will continue to work closely together to deliver on the priorities that Brits and Germans share.”
The government is under pressure to demonstrate greater progress in tackling illegal migration, with recent figures showing that Channel crossings are up 56 per cent this year compared to 2024 during the same period.
Last week, the UK and France agreed a 'one in, one out' illegal migrant returns deal, which the government hopes will deter people from attempting to reach the UK.
The two leaders are expected to agree on a new deal for UK defence exports, which the government says will benefit Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon jets, as well as the setting up of a new UK-Germany Business Forum, at the Downing Street meeting.
Speaking ahead of Merz's visit, Starmer added: “The progress we are making today is further proof that by investing in our relationships with like-minded friends and partners, we can deliver real change for working people.
“The Treaty we will sign today, the first of its kind, will bring the UK and Germany closer than ever. It not only marks the progress we have already made and the history we share. It is the foundation on which we go further to tackle the shared problems and invest in shared strengths."
