Voice 9, International Desk: Illegal immigration
is a major electoral issue in Britain ahead of an anticipated election next
year. This year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak named reducing the number
of illegal immigrants entering the country a top priority in an effort to close
the gap with the opposition Labour Party in the polls.
In an effort to reduce the number of unauthorized
immigrants entering Europe through Turkey, Britain announced that it had
reached an agreement with Ankara. The agreement calls for combined police
operations against smuggling networks and the trafficking of boat
components.
The government announced it would establish a
new Turkish police center that would build on current collaboration in law
enforcement.
According to the new memorandum of agreement,
customs data will be transferred more rapidly, the British government said in a
statement on Tuesday.
According to interior minister Suella Braverman,
"Our partnership with Turkey, a close friend and ally, will enable
our law enforcement agencies to work together on this international problem and
tackle the small boat supply chain."
