Committee publication · Correspondence · 16 July 2026
Letter from the Minister for Border Security and Asylum relating to the appointment of a new Border Security Commander 16.07.2026
From: Home Affairs Committee
Summary
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum updates the Home Affairs Committee on leadership changes at the Border Security Command. Martin Hewitt stepped down as Commander after 18 months; Duncan Capps CBE was appointed interim commander. The letter reports significant operational successes including 50% year-on-year increases in gang disruptions, over 1000 boat seizures since 2023, and 55% increase in arrests. Permanent recruitment will occur in autumn.
Key findings
- Martin Hewitt stepped down as Border Security Commander after 18 months; Duncan Capps CBE appointed as interim replacement
- Border Security Command reports 50% increase in disruptions of organised immigration crime gangs year-on-year to March 2026
- Over 1000 boats and engines seized since 2023, with more than half seized in the last financial year alone
- National Crime Agency doubled officers dedicated to OIC, resulting in 55% increase in OIC-related arrests
- Pilot scheme with France allows detention and return of small boat arrivals, with reciprocal safe legal route for equal numbers of migrants
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Alex Norris MP, Dame Karen Bradley MP, Martin Hewitt, Duncan Capps CBE, Border Security Command, National Crime Agency, France, Home Affairs Committee
Notable line
“… in the year-ending March 2026, there were around 50% more disruptions than in the previous year.”
Key Quotes
“This Government established the BSC to tackle the organised immigration crime (OIC) gangs behind small boat crossings.”
“… in the year-ending March 2026, there were around 50% more disruptions than in the previous year.”
“Over half of the 1000 boats and engines seized since 2023 were in the last financial year alone, demonstrating the impact our work is having.”
“This arrangement also allows an equal number of migrants to come the UK from France through a new safe and legal route, disrupting the business model of criminal smuggling gangs.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗