Sir Keir Starmer has said people smuggling is no longer a challenge but “a crisis”, as he opened a European summit at which he hopes to strike a deal on migration.

The prime minister is using the European Political Community (EPC) gathering to push for closer security ties and joint action to tackle small boat crossings.

Politics Live: COVID Inquiry publishes report

Hosting the event at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Sir Keir said “challenge is the wrong word” to describe the “vile trade of people smuggling”.

“It is now, I think, a crisis,” he told his international counterparts.

“As we speak, as we gather here, a criminal empire is at work in every country represented here today, profiting off human misery and desperation, prepared to send infants, babies, pregnant mothers, innocent people to their deaths.”

Referring to recent small boat tragedies, Sir Keir added: “Last week, four more souls and actually last night, another one were lost in the waters of the English Channel, a chilling reminder of the human cost of this vile trade.”

Politics latest: Starmer hosts European leaders at ‘reset’ UK summit; COVID Inquiry publishes report

Justice secretary seeks removal of chair of Criminal Cases Review Commission over Andrew Malkinson case

Scale of children who have parents in prison in England and Wales revealed for first time

He said the summit was an opportunity to “set a new path on illegal migration” with increased co-operation, “to say together ‘no more'”.

“We must combine our resources, share intelligence, share tactics, shut down the smuggling routes, and smash the gangs.”

Sir Keir is under pressure to get a grip on Channel crossings, having pledged in his manifesto to set up a new Border Force Command to tackle the people smuggling trade, using money diverted from the now-scrapped Rwanda scheme.

The summit comes as the new Labour government also attempts to forge closer links with the European Union (EU) after the turmoil of the Brexit years.

Sir Keir wants to ultimately strike a security pact with the EU and also address some of the trading problems under the current Brexit deal, struck by former prime minister Boris Johnson.

Although no formal statement is expected at the end of the summit, several one-on-one meetings are planned.

Sources suggested an announcement on migration could be made after a bilateral with French President Emmanuel Macron this evening, as cooperation with French authorities regarding Channel crossings is set to feature in the talks.

The prime minister’s official spokesperson said Sir Keir was not expected to raise a returns deal today and he “wants to work on border security”.

In his bid to reset relations, Sir Keir personally greeted some 45 leaders as they arrived at the 18th century palace.

Read More:
Foreign Secretary David Lammy defends calling Trump a ‘neo-Nazi sociopath’
Government to divert tens of millions from Rwanda plan to new Border Security Command

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

All European countries – barring Russia and Belarus – are invited to the summit, intended to galvanise support for Ukraine, where fighting is expected to intensify over the summer.

In his opening remarks, Sir Keir stressed his government’s support for the European Convention on Human Rights after the Conservatives had flirted with the idea of pulling out of the agreement.

He told Europe’s leaders the UK would be a “friend and a partner ready to work with you” and “not part of the European Union, but very much part of Europe”.

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the block welcomed “the new tone of the British government” and “we are ready to reinforce our foreign and security policy co-operation”.

The gathering at Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, is a more informal affair than many international summits.

The leaders will attend a reception hosted by the King in the palace’s Long Library, which has walls lined by more than 10,000 books,

Sir Keir will have a series of face-to-face talks with key figures, including a dinner with Mr Macron and a meeting with Polish counterpart Donald Tusk – who was president of the European Council at the height of the Brexit drama – as he attempts to strengthen ties with the continent.

The EPC was the brainchild of Mr Macron and involves 20 non-EU nations including the UK as well as the 27-strong EU bloc.

It was set up in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago.

Related posts:

Greensill lobbying scandal: Former top official who worked for firm denies conflict Minister under fire for belting out ‘Time of My Life’ during karaoke as Universal Credit cut comes into force State should step in over ‘tainted and dirty’ university donations, says professor Shapps denies ‘total lie’ he ‘wrecked’ RMT talks as second day of rail strikes looms ‘Very important we listen to the DUP,’ says Irish PM with Windsor Framework still in balance Illegal Migration Bill is heading for parliamentary ‘ping pong’ – could the government make more concessions? Diane Abbott accused of ‘exploiting tragedy’ in now-deleted tweet over migrant deaths Tory MP accused of ‘racial hostility’ in row with protester Labour rebels trying to secure divisive Commons vote on Gaza ceasefire ‘by hook or by crook’ Whatever happens in the Budget, Tories will be happy to put Labour in a difficult position ‘Bionic MP’ says he won’t contest his seat at general election Windrush campaigners demand citizenship for victims in first 100 days of new govt