New research reveals billions made by companies involved in UK border security
New research from a team of leading UK universities has revealed that over £3.77 billion in government contracts has been awarded to private companies since 2015 for managing border security and small boat crossings in the English Channel.
The groundbreaking new study, which is a collaboration between the Universities of Nottingham, York, Liverpool and Sheffield – and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) – reveals that, far from being a solely state-run operation, the UK’s border enforcement system is a booming business, driven by private security firms, tech giants, and defense contractors.
Small boat crossings started in 2018, largely due to increased security around other entry routes in Northen France making it difficult to enter the UK via lorry. People therefore began to cross the Channel in small boats, often using the services of smugglers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to “smash the gangs” profiting from small boat crossings.
However, while focus is often placed on illegal profits made from the people smuggling trade, the research found that many companies are profiting completely legally. Analysis has revealed that the UK government has funneled over £3.77 billion across 213 contracts to private companies for border management including small boat interceptions, asylum processing, and high-tech surveillance…