Police professional | Former NPCC chairman to lead new Border Security Command

Former NPCC chairman to lead new Border Security Command

The former chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has been appointed to lead the UK’s new Border Security Command.

Martin Hewitt

The Prime Minister said Martin Hewitt’s “unique expertise” will spearhead a new international effort to tackle criminal smuggling networks.

The new Border Security Command has been hailed as a “significant step forward” in the fight against illegal migration and criminal smuggling gangs.

The service will be given greater powers and will coordinate the work of all law enforcement and intelligence agencies to carry out joint investigations with European colleagues to tackle organised immigration crime.

Mr Hewitt has more than 30 years’ experience in combating serious crime and protecting national security.

As former Chair of the NPCC, he led the strategic coordination of all UK police forces and played a crucial role in shaping national responses to major security threats including terrorism, organised crime and illegal migration.

The prime minister said his ability to bring together police, law enforcement, intelligence and government agencies in response to major security threats was key to his appointment. His leadership was most visibly demonstrated in managing the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, coordinating policing efforts.

Sir Keir Starmer said: “No more gimmicks. This Government will tackle the smuggling gangs that trade the lives of men, women and children across borders.

“Martin Hewitt’s unique expertise will usher in a new era of international enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our shores and restore order to the asylum system.”

Mr Hewitt said: “I am honoured and excited to lead this new and ground-breaking Command. I have no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead, but I am determined to meet them head on.

“For too long, the criminal gangs that smuggle people across Europe have abused our borders in the name of profit, and are responsible for the deaths of dozens of vulnerable, innocent people. We will dismantle them, bring them to justice and stop them from using exploitation and deceit to line their pockets.

“It’s great to see the progress made in recent weeks, and we will build on this to forge deeper relationships with all organizations within Border Security Command, as well as with our friends and partners around the world.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was “delighted” to welcome Mr Hewitt to the role.

“Having served at the top of law enforcement for decades in national security, public safety and serious organised crime, he has the experience and track record we need to lead our Border Security Command,” she said.

“Dangerous criminal smuggling gangs are making millions from boat crossings, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. And they have been getting away with it for far too long.

“Under this Government we have taken early action against the smuggling gangs, including increasing the number of British officers at Europol and beginning the recruitment of 100 specialist investigators to track down these criminal networks and their supply chains, including the seizure of boats and motorbikes.

“With Border Security Command we can go much further – building new law enforcement partnerships across Europe and giving us new powers to tackle gangs, tackle dangerous boat crossings and save lives.”

The appointment comes as part of the prime minister’s visit to Italy, where he will discuss with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni her country’s success in tackling irregular migration. Italy has seen a 60 percent drop in irregular maritime migration over the past year thanks to strict enforcement and international cooperation.

The Prime Minister will join Mr Hewitt in Rome to set out the UK’s strategy to work more closely with European partners to track, disrupt and arrest those responsible for this appalling trade.

During the visit, they will be given a tour of the National Coordination Centre for Migration, so they can see first-hand how Italy deals with illegal migration and discuss future cooperation.

This month, the National Crime Agency (NCA) hosted a meeting of ministers and law enforcement partners to discuss plans for further collaboration with European partners.

This renewed collaboration has already led to successes, including cooperation with Bulgaria, which has seen over 40 small boats and engines intercepted in recent weeks – enough to enable 2,400 people to attempt the crossing. This work is one of 70 live operations the NCA is currently conducting with international partners.