Home Office sources confirmed this included looking for use European Union legislation or national laws in Germany that allow the seizure of the ships as “dangerous goods,” disrupting the human smugglers’ supply chain.
Sources said the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Force would also release their intelligence on the gangs’ other activities, such as arms and drug smuggling. alternative route to prosecution and disrupting their illegal activities.
The NCA has already provided information that Germany has been able to act on under the country’s ‘prevention’ law – which allows action to be taken to prevent loss of life. The NCA has given the Germans credible information and they have acted under the “prevention” law by seizing boat engines.
‘What can be done?’
Asked about the Germans’ inability to seize dinghies, Ms Cooper said: “One of the things we are working with them on is exactly these issues around what other law enforcement measures can be taken.
“What further prosecution measures can be taken? What can be done around existing German legislation? What can be done around new partnerships and new arrangements?
“We will provide an update on this new arrangement before Christmas. I am not going to anticipate the final stages of the discussions that we are currently having, but I can tell you that we are working very closely with Germany on how we can substantially upgrade the action against the supply chain.”
The move comes after Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to restore pre-Brexit security arrangements with the EU, where Britain is leading pan-European investigations into people smugglers. He has already made new alliances with France and Italy.