Two weeks ago, I criticised the Home Office for its poor planning before the migrant crisis that is currently in the news. This week, MP David Davies echoed my criticism on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme when he referred to the evacuation of the Portland barge by saying: “The primary thing that’s been revealed has been the startling incompetence of the Home Office…”
Meanwhile, the sinking of illegal migrant boats in the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel have re-affirmed this as one of the top priorities for the International Order. Blame for blocking some of the Government’s options has been laid at the feet of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg; but the Court’s interpretation of human rights law is supported by a huge number of influential organisations in Britain.
There is still not enough focus on the organised criminals that are behind the illegal human trafficking. I was involved in tackling these gangs when they were linked with terrorist organisations in failing states. Economic sanctions are not enough, we need to target their leadership, but this will require a joined-up approach between international organisations, government departments and security services. Fifteen years ago, we had a handle on this – what has happened since then?
Rupert Wieloch 