Burnham and Macron step up fight against people-smuggling gangs

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and French President Emmanuel Macron are set to intensify their efforts in combating people-smuggling gangs during a meeting at No 10 Downing Street. The two world leaders are expected to discuss the deployment of additional security measures to counter the flow of illegal immigrants across the English Channel.

Macron has committed to deploying a "surge team of 45 officers" on France's western beaches, targeting launch sites and large dinghies used by people smugglers. The UK government has approved the deployment of a team of 45 officers to bolster border security and help restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders are also expected to expand their collaboration on tackling migrant crossings, with France increasing its policing resources on the coast and deploying a new 75-strong unit dedicated to combating small boats.

The French government aims to triple its coastal policing, while the UK will focus on expanding its specialist intelligence and judicial unit. The meeting comes after a summer marked by a decline in small boat crossings, with Britain recording its lowest number in seven years. Burnham emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries to stay one step ahead of smuggling gangs, who adapt their tactics frequently.

The talks also come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the US launching strikes against Iranian targets and Tehran responding with missile and drone attacks against American bases. The Ukrainian conflict is also expected to be a key topic of discussion during the meeting.