Overview

• Security sources warn that Russia and Belarus are suspected of orchestrating migrant surges by supplying false documents, transportation and even military escorts to people-smuggling gangs.
• NATO for the first time recognized irregular migration as a threat to collective defence, allowing member states to count border protection towards new 5% of GDP security spending targets.
• Small boat crossings have soared by 42 percent year-on-year, prompting opposition MPs to call for a formal national security crisis declaration.
• The government has proposed the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to introduce counter-terrorism style measures, fund Border Security Command operations and enhance identity checks on arrivals.
• Asylum support costs reached £3.1 billion for hotel accommodation in 2023-24, and several migrants have faced charges for national security offences and violent crimes, heightening public concern.