New Research Exposes Over £3.77 Billion in Government Contracts to Private Companies for Border Security and Small Boat Crossings

New Research Exposes Over £3.77 Billion in Government Contracts to Private Companies for Border Security and Small Boat Crossings

(IN BRIEF) A new study reveals that since 2015, the UK government has awarded over £3.77 billion in contracts to private companies managing border security and small boat crossings in the English Channel. While much focus is placed on illegal smuggling, the research highlights that many companies are legally profiting from border control measures, including asylum processing and detention services. The study also raises concerns over the transparency of these contracts and the growing role of the private sector in immigration enforcement, questioning the long-term effectiveness of government policies aimed at curbing small boat crossings.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 1-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — A new study led by a team of researchers from prominent UK universities has uncovered that since 2015, the UK government has awarded over £3.77 billion in contracts to private companies for managing border security and small boat crossings in the English Channel. The study reveals a significant expansion of the private sector’s involvement in border control and immigration enforcement, a sector that is projected to continue growing.

Small boat crossings began in 2018 when increased security measures on other entry routes in Northern France made it harder to enter the UK via lorry. This led many individuals to attempt crossing the Channel in small boats, often facilitated by smugglers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has committed to “smash the gangs” responsible for these illegal crossings.

However, the research highlights a key finding: while the illegal profits from the smuggling trade receive much of the public attention, numerous private companies are legally profiting from the government’s border security initiatives. The study details that the UK government has awarded £3.77 billion in 213 contracts for various aspects of border management, including small boat interceptions, asylum processing, and advanced surveillance technologies. The industry’s growth continues, with an additional £1 billion worth of open tenders as of December 2024.

Significant portions of these contracts are linked to immigration detention and deportation services, especially in relation to the controversial Rwanda deportation plan. For example, Mitie Care and Custody received over £500 million for managing short-term holding facilities, while Galliford Try was awarded £170 million for the redevelopment of detention centres connected to the Rwanda plan.

Among the largest contracts identified was a £1.96 billion agreement with Bristow Group for search and rescue operations in the Channel. Additional contracts include £276 million for operating detention centres, £23 million for the use of sniffer dogs, and £7.7 million for temporary accommodation facilities.

The research also reveals that some contracts related to border security are tied to broader asylum and immigration infrastructure, including services necessary for deportation efforts. Gaps in transparency were also noted, with several contracts having key financial details redacted or undisclosed.

Dr. Arshad Isakjee, lead researcher from the Department of Geography at the University of Liverpool, commented: “There are currently no safe and legal routes for refugees to come to the UK and claim asylum, forcing many to risk their lives by crossing the Channel. Rather than addressing the root issue by creating safe asylum pathways, the government is subsidizing private companies that profit from policies meant to deter migrants. At a time when other public services are being slashed, this raises critical questions: Who benefits from these policies, and at what cost to human lives and public resources?”

The study also places the UK’s border security economy within a global context, noting that the border industry is expected to grow from $377 billion in 2023 to $679 billion by 2032.

Dr. Lucy Mayblin, co-author from the University of Sheffield, explained: “While the public is often told that stopping small boat crossings is about tackling smuggling gangs, the reality is that there is a large legal business behind the border industry. The government’s focus on criminalizing smuggling ignores the highly profitable contracts awarded to private companies managing these border operations, which continue to grow with little public scrutiny or discussion.”

Dr. Thom Davies, co-author from the University of Nottingham, added: “At a time of austerity, private companies are profiting from government policies that are ineffective and unjust.”

Dr. Joe Turner, co-author from the University of York, said: “The corporate profits identified in this study come at the expense of the UK’s communities and the people who are forced into dangerous crossings. The government could instead focus on creating a safe and sustainable system for asylum seekers to enter the UK legally, ending the need for such perilous journeys.”

This research was conducted by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with the Universities of Sheffield, Nottingham, and York, as part of an Economic and Social Research Council-funded project on Channel Crossings.

Media Contacts:

Joanne Carr
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Catrin Owen
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Sarah Stamper
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Jennifer Morgan
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Alison Cornmell
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SOURCE: University of Liverpool