Sir Keir Starmer has refused to say how many migrants might be stopped by his “smash the engines” plan.
The Prime Minister agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping UK and Chinese officers to work together to target the supply of small boats engines used by people smugglers.
More than half of small boat engines used by people smugglers crossing the English Channel are manufactured in China
However, the PM brushed off evidence uncovered by the People’s Channel people smugglers are increasingly sourcing engines from non-Chinese manufacturers over concerns about quality.
Speaking to GB News’ Political Editor Christopher Hope in Shanghai, he said: “I’ve always said that amongst the things, there’s no silver bullet here, but amongst the things we need to do is to seize those engines…
“As many as possible. But most of the engines are going on that journey (from China to Europe).
“So the more that we can intercept, they then can’t get to the north coast of France and can’t be used, and that’s why we’ve had previous discussions about the actions we want to take in Europe.
“This is further to that, and I’m really pleased to be able to take another step.”
Keir Starmer has refused to say how many small boats will be stopped by his ‘smash the engines’ plan
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GB NEWS / PA
The Prime Minister stopped short of repeating the claim that 60 per cent of the engines and parts come from China, instead including other countries.
GB News revealed yesterday that people smugglers are now using newer engines from countries other than China.
During his interview, Sir Keir also hit back at Donald Trump after the US President said that closer relations with China are “very dangerous”.
Mr Trump made the comments at a premiere for a documentary about his wife Melania, saying it “it is very dangerous for them to do that”.
Asked to comment on the remarks, Sir Keir told GB News’s Political Editor Christopher Hope: “This has been a success, this trip. And I’ve seen the clip from Donald Trump.
“I think it’s fair to say he was really talking much more about Canada than the United Kingdom UK.”
The Prime Minister sat down with GB News in Shanghai
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GB NEWS
He added: “As you would expect, between allies, we talked to him and his team about this beforehand.
“And I think I’m right in saying that President Trump is himself expected to come to China in April. But this trip, from a UK point of view, has been a real success.”
Sir Keir also disclosed that he did not take the measures used by Theresa May when she visited in 2018 by getting changed under covers.
He said: “I can confirm that I didn’t. And I’ve always said that we need to seize the opportunities mindful of our national security.
“What I think is wrong, is simply putting your head in the sand. This is the second biggest economy in the world.
“If you take Hong Kong as well, it’s our third biggest trading partner.
“So many good reasons to engage and to seize the opportunities. But to be mindful and always have our first priority, our national security.”