LONDON, June 18: The UK government on Monday vowed to use its international relations to strengthen the UK’s border controls, crack down on migration abuse and tackle trafficking as it launched its international strategy for managing global migration, which sets out the UK’s global plans in the fight to halt illegal immigration.

Last year Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) staff prevented 17,000 people crossing the channel illegally. At juxtaposed controls in France and Belgium the BIA caught 3,900 people trying to enter Britain through clandestine means.

At the forefront of the strategy is to work with other governments to prevent illegal migration and speed-up the return of those with no right to be in the UK.

Through working with countries which act as ‘transit’ points on illegal immigration routes, the UK intends to put migration at the top of the international agenda.

Home Secretary John Reid said: “Every issue we face, whether it involves immigration, identity or counter-terrorism, has international relationships at its very core. That is why today’s international strategy is crucial to our future.

“We cannot protect Britain’s borders by operating in a bubble. The only way to tackle these 21st century issues is through countries working together. Today we are undertaking to improve that co-operation through better exchange of immigration data and working together to tackle the reasons for migration.” Law enforcement liaison officers will be deployed to countries on key routes to the UK, developing joint investigations to target traffickers.

A rapid response team will be established in the UK before the end of 2007, with specialists ready to be sent abroad to offer advice, support and training.

The strategy has been developed jointly by the Home Office and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, following close consultation with the Department for Trade and Industry.