At the Government’s border security summit in London, Keir Starmer reported that 24,000 individuals without legal right to remain in the UK have been returned since Labour took power - the highest return rate in eight years. The summit gathered representatives from over 40 countries to address illegal migration and people smuggling, including tech platforms accused of enabling trafficking via social media. Home secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the cruel tactics of smuggler gangs, including hugely overcrowded boats, exploiting vulnerable people, and using drones to evade detection. Ministers acknowledged disappointment in the rising small boat crossings and pledged £33 million in new funding to target organised criminal networks globally. Starmer emphasised the need for international collaboration, calling people smuggling a 'global security threat’.