Germany to Criminalize Smuggling Migrants to UK Under New Bilateral Deal
Germany is preparing to enact new legislation that will make it a criminal offence to facilitate illegal migration into the United Kingdom, as part of a sweeping agreement to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on key issues including migration, defence, and business.
The forthcoming legal change expected to take effect before the end of 2025 will close a loophole in German law that currently does not classify people-smuggling to non-EU countries, such as post-Brexit Britain, as a criminal act.
The reform aims to empower German authorities to crack down on organised smuggling networks that operate from within its borders.
The announcement aligns with the first official UK visit of newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which both countries are set to sign a bilateral agreement covering enhanced cooperation in several strategic sectors.
Downing Street stated that the legal reforms in Germany will aid efforts to disrupt the supply chains used by trafficking gangs, including targeting warehouses used to store small boats and engines destined for illegal Channel crossings.
The move follows growing concerns about the role Germany plays as a hub in the cross-border smuggling network. A 2024 BBC investigation highlighted the use of German-based storage facilities by criminal groups to supply equipment used in transporting migrants across the English Channel.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the German government’s renewed commitment to tackling the crisis. “Chancellor Merz’s pledge to amend German law and cut off the flow of dangerous vessels into the UK is a positive step forward,” Starmer said.
This development comes shortly after the UK unveiled a pilot “one in, one out” asylum exchange deal with France, allowing for some small boat arrivals in the UK to be returned in exchange for Britain accepting asylum seekers with UK ties.
Despite these efforts, pressure continues to mount on Starmer’s administration to address the sharp rise in Channel crossings. Over 21,000 individuals have entered the UK via small boats so far this year a 56% increase from the same period in 2024.
The Conservative Party has criticised the government’s response as inadequate. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the prime minister of chasing headlines instead of providing real solutions.
“Keir Starmer’s gimmicks can’t hide the fact that this government has lost control of our borders,” Philip said.
Beyond migration, the UK-Germany summit will also focus on defence and trade collaboration. The leaders are expected to announce a joint export agreement promoting British-manufactured defence assets, including Boxer armoured vehicles and Typhoon fighter jets. Downing Street projects the initiative could bring in billions of pounds in new export revenue over the coming years.
Additionally, a new UK-Germany Business Forum will be established under the treaty to encourage bilateral investment. More than £200 million in fresh commercial investments are expected to be unveiled during Chancellor Merz’s visit, including the launch of a new facility by German defence tech company STARK in Swindon its first expansion outside Germany creating over 100 jobs.
The broader package, officials say, signals a renewed era of economic and strategic partnership between the two nations.
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