Martin Hewitt to Leave Border Security Command
Martin Hewitt, the former police chief appointed to reduce small boat crossings across the English Channel, is stepping down after 18 months in the role. His appointment by Sir Keir Starmer was initially hailed as "a significant step forward in the fight against illegal migration and criminal smuggling gangs."
Hewitt will be replaced as ministers arrange an interim leadership before naming a permanent successor. He is set to leave the position at the end of the month. Sources have not confirmed whether his departure is voluntary or the result of dismissal.
A Home Office spokesperson expressed gratitude for Hewitt's service, stating:
"We would like to thank Martin Hewitt CBE QPM for his dedicated leadership since the creation of the Border Security Command. Over the past 18 months, the Border Security Command has brought government agencies, law enforcement and international partners together to tackle people smuggling gangs, as well as seeing the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act into law."
Challenges in Reducing Channel Crossings
Despite the Labour government's commitment to combat trafficking gangs responsible for Channel crossings, the number of people arriving in the UK via small boats has continued to rise during Hewitt's tenure. Last year recorded the second highest number of crossings for any calendar year.
In October of the previous year, Hewitt appeared before the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, where he conveyed his "frustration" with the slow response from French authorities in preventing crossings. He also acknowledged that deterring individuals from attempting the journey would "always be going to take time."
Political Reactions to Hewitt's Departure
Following Hewitt's announcement, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp commented on the government's handling of small boat crossings:
"The government's complete failure on small boats isn't down to Martin Hewitt. It's because Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood are too weak to take the necessary action, such as coming out of the ECHR [European Court of Human Rights] and deporting all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival. Labour's decision to cancel the Rwanda removals plan was a disaster."
The previous Conservative administration had implemented a policy to deter crossings by relocating arrivals to Rwanda for asylum processing. However, the scheme encountered legal challenges and was subsequently scrapped by the Labour government shortly after assuming office.
Background and Appointment of Martin Hewitt
Hewitt was appointed to lead the Border Security Command following a distinguished policing career, including his role as chairman of the National Police Chiefs' Council. Upon his appointment, the prime minister praised Hewitt's expertise, stating:
"No more gimmicks. This government will tackle the smuggling gangs who trade the lives of men, women and children across borders. Martin Hewitt's unique expertise will lead a new era of international enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our shores and bring order to the asylum system."
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