The UK is getting tougher to stop illegal immigration

The British government is taking an adamant stance to reduce the amount of illegal immigration. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said a crackdown on restaurants, building firms, and other firms employing illegal immigrants in the UK would be stepped up as part of plans to end the small boat crisis. 

The Home Secretary stressed that more operations would be launched against criminal gangs involved in cross-Channel crossings. On the other hand, eight migrants died last Sunday while crossing the Channel. 46 migrants have died in boat capsizing so far this year. The issue of crossing the English Channel has again come to the fore. Meanwhile, many in France, including the mayor of Calais, have criticized Britain's migration system.

They say the UK does not have a universal ID card system for migrants. Immigrants can work illegally here more easily than in other European countries.

On the other hand, Ms. Cooper said, illegal immigrants in the UK cannot claim any benefits. Stronger action needs to be taken against illegal workers. It will catch the crime gangs that make migrants victims of modern slavery, including employers.

Home Office officials have warned that anyone found guilty of employing illegal workers could be jailed for five years and face hefty fines. Firms that fail to show their workers legal documents will be fined £60,000 for each illegal worker. But French ministers have criticized the UK's labor laws. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer discussed the immigration crisis with Italy's right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday.

Italy has reduced the number of immigrants by two-thirds. Therefore, the British government will consult Italy on migration. Italy has worked with North African countries to prevent migration. Italy has been able to deal with human trafficking gangs by working with these countries. In addition, the Italian authorities can send back illegal immigrants quickly. Meanwhile, the government has appointed the former chairman of the National Police Chiefs Council and former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Martin Heutt, to lead the newly formed Border Security Command.