16 October 2025 - Border security and irregular migration: The work of the Border Security Command - Oral evidence

The Home Affairs Committee will question the head of the Home Office team established to tackle organised immigration crime and reduce irregular migration, in the first of a series of scrutiny sessions on how the Government is tackling small boat crossings. 

With the number of people crossing from France up 21% from the same period last year, Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt will face questions on the challenges of reducing small boat crossings, the short and long-term efforts to reduce crossings, and engagement with the French authorities – and other nations – on the issue. 

MPs are likely to ask about the ‘one in, one out’ deal with France and the progress being made on other measures agreed between the two countries. Mr Hewitt, who is appearing alongside Rob Jones from the National Crime Agency, could also be asked about how measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will help the Border Security Command tackle organised immigration crime. 

The Committee is expected to examine efforts to improve joint working across agencies and government departments, as well as exploring the reasons why people want to come to the UK.  

Questioning is also likely to cover agreements and treaties with other nations aimed at stopping small boats, the likely impact of the proposed introduction of mandatory digital ID cards on the numbers looking to cross the Channel.

This is the first session of a programme of work in which the Committee will scrutinise the Government’s approach to improving border security and reducing small boat crossings.