Belgium and UK seek closer cooperation to tackle human smuggling on western coast
The United Kingdom and Belgium want to strengthen cooperation in tackling human smuggling along the west of the Belgian coast, where crossings by migrants in small boats have increased sharply in recent months. Authorities say smugglers and migrants attempting the journey are intercepted daily in the region.
Belgian Interior minister Bernard Quintin (MR) visited a police operation in Adinkerke near De Panne on Thursday. He was joined by UK Migration minister Alex Norris. Both said they wanted to deepen cooperation between the two countries to address the issue.
“We already have good cooperation with our British colleagues, but we want to further strengthen our exchange of information,” Quintin said. “Since Brexit, this exchange has become more difficult. We need an appropriate legal framework to ensure smooth exchange.”
Staff and resources
According to Quintin, efforts are also under way to improve cooperation in police operations. “There’s already good cooperation there, but we want to strengthen it. We’re already receiving staff and resources from the UK, but we’re exploring how we can further improve that cooperation,” he said.
“It’s crucial that we intervene quickly now that we’re seeing this phenomenon occur more frequently in our country. That way, we can prevent the situation from escalating.”
Norris likewise highlighted the importance of close collaboration, saying: “Belgium is a key ally in the fight against illegal migration. We already have good cooperation and want to continue working closely together in the future to get the situation under control.”
Carl Decaluwé, the governor of West Flanders, who has long called for additional support, said he was encouraged by the renewed political attention.
“It’s a positive sign that this is high on the political agenda. The pressure on this region and on the police services is therefore high,” Decaluwé said. “We’ve already received additional federal support, and I hope we can facilitate a positive collaboration with all these parties on a structural basis.”
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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