Sir Keir Starmer Pledges to Tackle 'Criminal Highway' in the Western Balkans Fueling Migration to Britain

Table of Contents

• Vow to Shut Down Criminal Highway
• Hosting Leaders to Combat Smuggling
• Government's Efforts and Statements
• Checkpoints in the Balkans

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to dismantle the “criminal highway” through the Western Balkans that is inundating Britain with migrants.

The Prime Minister will today convene leaders from the region to address the smuggling gangs responsible for the

The Prime Minister will convene leaders to combat the smuggling gangs behind the increase in Channel crossingsCredit: Getty

He informed The Sun that traffickers have established a criminal empire that the UK must dismantle.

Ministers are expected to announce a deal for return hubs at the summit.

However, a government source indicated that ministers must first reduce criminal activity and stabilize border security in the region.

The Prime Minister stated: “There exists a criminal highway running through the Western Balkans, facilitating illegal migrants directly to the UK.

“Our objective is to dismantle it and dismantle the gangs that oversee it.”

In a subtle critique, he noted that some have “thrown insults” at countries like Albania instead of collaborating.

This was a reference to the Reform leader’s dispute with Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Britain is now deploying resources at checkpoints throughout the Balkans to intercept smugglers.

Officials assert that approximately a quarter of small boat arrivals travel through the Balkans.

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to dismantle the ‘criminal highway’ through the Western BalkansCredit: Reuters