New border security chief appointed as PM continues European reset in Italy

• Martin Hewitt CBE QPM appointed as new Border Security Commander
• Prime Minister announces former NPCC chairman with ‘unique expertise’ to visit Rome
• Commander will lead new international effort to destroy criminal smuggling gangs

Martin Hewitt CBE QPM has been appointed head of the UK’s new Border Security Command, in a significant step forward in the fight against illegal migration and criminal people-smuggling gangs.

Border Security Command heralds a new approach to securing our borders. It will be given greater powers and will coordinate the work of all our law enforcement and intelligence agencies to carry out joint investigations with European counterparts to tackle organised immigration crime.

Martin Hewitt has over 30 years’ experience of tackling serious crime and protecting national security. As former Chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, he led the strategic coordination of all UK police forces and played a crucial role in shaping the national response to major security threats including terrorism, organised crime and illegal migration.

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, where he coordinated policing efforts.

The announcement comes during the Prime Minister’s visit to Italy, where he continues his efforts to rebuild ties with key international partners and deliver tangible results for the British people on migration, trade and security in the UK.

As part of the visit, Keir Starmer will discuss with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni her country’s success in tackling irregular migration. Italy has seen a 60 percent drop in irregular sea migration over the past year thanks to strict enforcement and international cooperation.

Prime Minister 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.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role. Having spent decades at the top of law enforcement in national security, public safety and serious organised crime, he has the experience and track record we need to lead our Border Security Command.

“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. This has included 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 new Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, said:

“I am honored and excited to lead this new and groundbreaking 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.”

The Prime Minister will be joined in Rome by the new Commander, who will outline 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, the Prime Minister and Mr Hewitt will visit the National Coordination Centre for Migration to see first-hand how Italy is dealing with illegal migration and discuss future cooperation.

The prime minister is leading a reset of the relationship with Europe. Efforts to improve security cooperation have already led to a 50 percent increase in the number of National Criminal Agency staff stationed at Europol, working to combat organised immigration crime.

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 deadly crossing. This work is one of 70 live operations the NCA is currently conducting with international partners.

The planned Border Protection, Asylum and Immigration Act will bring intrusive state powers similar to counterterrorism legislation, allowing law enforcement agencies to thwart, investigate and prosecute those who facilitate organized immigration crime.

The Prime Minister is visiting Italy to strengthen ties with one of the UK’s key European partners, following productive trips to Berlin, Paris and Dublin.

Italy plays a key role in NATO, the G7 and the EU and is the UK’s ninth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade flows worth more than £50 billion.

During his time in Rome, the Prime Minister will focus on building an ambitious partnership with Italy that will deliver for the British and Italian people. He will meet business leaders to explore ways to unlock further trade opportunities between the two countries and discuss closer cooperation with Prime Minister Meloni on defence and security.