**Germany Clamps Down on People-Smuggling: New Laws and International Cooperation Ahead!**

Germany is on the brink of tightening its laws to combat people-smuggling as it aims to disrupt gangs facilitating illegal migration to the UK. This decision emerges during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s inaugural visit to the UK, where a pivotal agreement addressing migration, business, and defence will be signed.

Currently, facilitating illegal migration to non-EU nations, notably the UK post-Brexit, is not explicitly illegal in Germany. However, the proposed changes will establish a legal framework to prosecute those involved in smuggling operations, aiding authorities to target storage facilities that house small boats for Channel crossings. Notably, a BBC investigation highlighted Germany’s role as a crucial hub in this smuggling network.

Chancellor Merz’s commitment comes after a prior agreement to tighten migration laws, reflecting a responsive approach to growing concerns about smuggling operations. The urgency in Germany’s legislative actions coincides with increasing pressures on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to address the surge in illegal crossings, with over 21,000 individuals attempting the dangerous journey this year alone — a 56% increase from 2024. Critics, including shadow home secretary Chris Philp, assert that the situation at the Channel remains dire, denouncing Starmer’s actions as mere distractions.

In addition to migration discussions, the leaders will explore defence topics, aiming to bolster UK defence exports like the Boxer armoured vehicle and Typhoon jets through collaborative campaigns, potentially leading to billions in economic boosts. During this visit, new investments exceeding £200 million are also slated to be announced, promising over 600 jobs across various sectors, including defence technology. One noteworthy initiative involves STARK, a defence tech company, launching a facility in Swindon that will create 100 new jobs.

This multifaceted agreement signifies a critical step in UK-Germany relations amidst rising global challenges.