Suspected people smugglers may face mobile phone bans and more under new government laws aimed at curbing illegal immigration.
London: The government is stepping up its game against suspected people smugglers. They’re looking to introduce new laws that could ban these individuals from using mobile phones and social media. This comes after a significant rise in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is pushing for these changes, saying they’re necessary to tackle the “vile gang networks” profiting from these dangerous crossings. However, not everyone is on board. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has called the measures “laughable,” arguing they won’t really deter smugglers.
The proposed laws would allow police and other agencies to apply for Serious Crime Prevention Orders directly, making it easier to restrict suspects’ activities. If someone breaks these orders, they could face up to five years in prison.
These changes are part of a broader Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill expected to hit Parliament soon. Cooper emphasized that these criminals are putting lives at risk and that stronger powers are essential to combat them.
Philp, on the other hand, believes the government should have reinstated the scrapped Rwanda scheme, which aimed to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda. He criticized Labour for not supporting tougher measures against smuggling gangs in the past.
Meanwhile, the situation in the English Channel has been dire, with last year being the deadliest on record. The International Organization for Migration reported that 77 people lost their lives trying to make the crossing.
As the government pushes for these new laws, charities like the Refugee Council are raising concerns about the safety of the boats being used. They argue that the focus on enforcement might not be the best way to tackle the issue.
Recent figures show a significant increase in the number of people arriving in the UK by small boats, with many coming from countries like Afghanistan and Iran. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged the challenges, stating that the previous government’s focus on the Rwanda scheme didn’t address the real problem of dismantling smuggling operations.
