Martin Hewitt, the head of the UK’s Border Security Command, is stepping down after just 18 months in the role. Appointed to reduce small boat crossings across the English Channel, Hewitt will depart at the end of the month, with ministers arranging an interim leader before naming a permanent replacement.
Appointment and Mission
Hewitt, a former police chief and chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, took charge following a distinguished policing career. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed his expertise at the time, stating: “No more gimmicks. This government will tackle the smuggling gangs who trade the lives of men, women and children across borders. Martin Hewitt’s unique expertise will lead a new era of international enforcement to dismantle these networks, protect our shores and bring order to the asylum system.”
The command aimed to unite government agencies, law enforcement, and international partners against people smuggling operations. It also supported the passage of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act.
Government Acknowledgment
A Home Office spokesperson expressed gratitude for Hewitt’s leadership: “We would like to thank Martin Hewitt CBE QPM for his dedicated leadership since the creation of the Border Security Command. Over the past 18 months, the Border Security Command has brought government agencies, law enforcement and international partners together to tackle people smuggling gangs, as well as seeing the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act into law.”
Persistent Challenges
Despite efforts to combat trafficking networks behind Channel crossings, small boat arrivals have remained high. Last year recorded the second-highest number of crossings in a calendar year.
In an October appearance before the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, Hewitt voiced frustration over delays by French authorities in preventing crossings. He noted that deterring such journeys “always going to take time.”
Officials have not specified if Hewitt’s exit was voluntary or enforced.
Opposition Critique
Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp attributed ongoing issues to government policy, not Hewitt: “The government’s complete failure on small boats isn’t down to Martin Hewitt. It’s because Keir Starmer and Shabana Mahmood are too weak to take the necessary action, such as coming out of the ECHR and deporting all illegal immigrants within a week of arrival. Labour’s decision to cancel the Rwanda removals plan was a disaster.”
The Rwanda scheme faced legal hurdles and was abandoned shortly after Labour assumed power.
