New border security commander appointed

Martin Hewitt CBE QPM has been appointed to lead the UK’s new Border Security Command.

The Border Security Command will have enhanced powers and will coordinate the work of all law enforcement and intelligence agencies to lead joint investigations.

Martin Hewitt has over 30 years’ experience tackling serious crime and protecting national security, having previously served as Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The announcement came during prime minister Keir Starmer's trip to Italy where he met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Starmer said:  “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.”  

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role. Following decades working at the top of law enforcement on 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 have been making millions out of small boat crossings, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk, and getting away with it for far too long.

"Under this Government we have taken early action against the smuggler gangs including increasing British officers stationed at Europol and commencing recruitment of 100 specialist investigators to go after these criminal networks and their supply chains, including seizing boats and engines.  

“With the Border Security Command we can go much further - building new law enforcement partnerships across Europe and getting new powers into place, to go after the gangs, tackle dangerous boat crossings and save lives.”