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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026. It was answered by Alex Norris (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

People Smuggling and Undocumented Migrants: Poland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Prime Minister’s Office press release entitled UK and Poland set to sign major defence and security treaty as PM steps up relationship with Europe to keep nation safe, published on 26 May 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the level of effectiveness of Poland’s measures to reduce illegal migration and people-smuggling.

Answer

The United Kingdom and Poland are close partners in tackling illegal migration and the organised criminal networks that underpin it. While we face different illegal migration challenges at our respective borders, cooperation between our law enforcement agencies and Ministries is essential.

We welcome Poland’s measures to reduce illegal migration and combat people-smuggling through Europe. Utilising the recently signed Security and Defence Treaty, the Secretary of State will deliver a Joint Action Plan to strengthen this partnership, improve our existing understanding and cooperation. The Home Office will do this by enhancing intelligence sharing, supporting joint operational activity, and improving our ability to target smuggling networks, including their use of online platforms. It also enables both countries to share expertise, including where measures could be translated into different environments, and make use of advanced technologies to strengthen border security and inform policy making.

The Home Office and the Polish Ministry of the Interior are monitoring delivery of the Joint Action Plan on an ongoing basis through regular operational engagement and future UK–Poland Migration Dialogue discussions. A full evaluation has not yet been undertaken; however, operational outcomes are routinely monitored, and metrics are being developed to assess overall effectiveness.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8455
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Undocumented migrants Poland UK relations with EU People smuggling
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk