Armed Ex-Soldiers Facilitating Small Boat Crossings from Belgium, Warns Former Border Chief

A former Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration has issued a stark warning about a new small boat migrant route from Belgium, where armed ex-soldiers are reportedly facilitating crossings. This development poses a “serious threat” to Britain’s borders, according to John Vine, who spoke to GB News.

New Threat to Britain’s Borders

John Vine, former Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, has raised the alarm over a newly discovered small boat route from Belgium. He told GB News that “violent” ex-soldiers, potentially from Iraq or Afghanistan, are now aiding smuggling gangs. These armed individuals are protecting migrants and preventing intervention from Belgian authorities.

The shift to Belgium comes after French authorities implemented stricter monitoring measures, pushing gangs to find new launch points. Mr Vine stressed that this situation is a “very serious threat” on multiple levels, expressing his expectation that UK Border Force would be “totally alarmed” by the development.

Belgian Police Confronting Armed Gangs

Local Belgian police chief Nicholas Paelinck revealed that officers have been threatened by these ex-military personnel. He stated that attempts to puncture migrant boats are now too dangerous, as “ex-military personnel from Iraq” are circling vessels, preventing police access. Mr Paelinck reported that an officer had a mirror smashed with an iron bar, leading to a risk analysis that deemed operations on that beach too hazardous.

Police have also discovered “weapons of war and ammunition” in migrant tent camps, with warnings that it is “only a matter of time” before officers face direct confrontation. Mr Vine urged Belgian police to seek armed support from their own military to tackle these organised criminal gangs effectively.

• Armed ex-soldiers from Iraq or Afghanistan are facilitating small boat crossings from Belgium.
• This new route emerged after stricter French border controls pushed smuggling gangs elsewhere.
• Belgian police have been threatened and assaulted by these armed individuals.
• “Weapons of war and ammunition” have been found in migrant camps.
• Former border chief John Vine calls this a “very serious threat” to UK borders.

What This Means for Britain

This new, more dangerous route directly impacts Britain’s border security and the safety of our communities. The involvement of armed ex-military personnel escalates the threat, making it harder for authorities to intercept illegal crossings.

The failure to control our borders allows criminal gangs to operate with impunity, undermining the rule of law. This situation demands immediate and robust action from the Labour government to protect British sovereignty and national security.

The cost of dealing with these increased threats, from policing to processing illegal arrivals, falls directly on the British taxpayer. It diverts vital resources from other essential public services, impacting your family’s safety and prosperity.

This development highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to stop illegal immigration, rather than simply reacting to new routes. The current approach is clearly failing to deter those who seek to exploit our borders.

Share if you believe Britain must secure its borders against all threats.

This article is a factual summary of reporting by GB News Opinion. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: GB News Opinion | Breaking Brexit News