Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of cooperation with the government of Belgium in deterring the illegal crossing of the English Channel by migrants.

The Government is working closely with European partners, sharing intelligence and disrupting organisers upstream to prevent further launches and deter illegal crossings of the Channel.

The Border Security Command has been designed to rapidly pivot to new threats and gang tactics as they emerge. The rise of small boat launches from the Belgian coast is evidence of smugglers adapting and the UK Government is determined to provide any necessary support to prevent Belgium becoming a viable launch location.

The UK works closely with Belgian authorities and on 12 December 2025, our respective Prime Minister’s signed a joint statement which committed to stepping up our joint action to prevent irregular migration through closer UK–Belgium cooperation, including on returns, information sharing, security technology and operations.

Minister Norris visited Belgium in March and held discussions with the Belgian Government and law enforcement agencies to tackle small boat launches. We continue to deepen our bilateral, regional and multilateral engagement to tackle root causes and strengthen law enforcement cooperation.

Law Enforcement teams have already been bolstered along the Belgium coast and along the French-Belgian border. Alongside this, the NCA has increased its overseas presence - including officers deployed across Europe and within Europol - ensuring faster intelligence flow and stronger joint operational effect.