The Foreign Secretary said he has written to all of the UK’s top diplomats and high commissioners to step up their efforts.
He insisted the “abhorrent trafficking” of human lives across the English Channel must be stopped.
Illegal migrants from at least 63 different countries across the globe have made it the way to UK shores.
While Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Eritrea account for some of the highest numbers migrants have also come from as far away as Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Speaking at the Tory conference Manchester Mr Cleverly vowed that more will be done by British diplomats around the globe to help thwart human traffickers.
“Whilst I occupy this great office, I’ve considered the many challenges that we face as a nation and I’ve contemplated the ways of making my department more effective at tackling those obstacles,” he said.
“For example, when it comes to stopping the boats, we have and will continue to co-ordinate and co-operate not just across Government, but with our international allies as well.
“We have collaborated closely with the governments of the countries where these inhumane people-smuggling gangs are based.
“But I recognise that we need to keep going, and so today I’ve written to all of our ambassadors, all of our high commissioners, and I’ve instructed each and every one of them to do even more work with the countries in which they represent the UK to help stop the abhorrent trafficking of human lives across the English Channel.”
Mr Cleverly also announced plans to “carve out space in our diplomatic service” for veterans.
He said: “I believe that those who have served our nation on the battlefield can continue to contribute beyond their tours of duty, which is why I have tasked my officials to carve out space in our diplomatic service for that and I look forward to working with Johnny Mercer, our veterans minister, to ensure that the men and women from our armed forces, who we know are amongst the best of us, to give them the opportunity to be the best at representing the UK.
“You will forgive me, but it does make me immensely proud of those who have served our country with unparalleled distinction, the opportunity to serve their nation once again.”
