New legislation in the UK aims to impose travel and phone bans on people-smuggling suspects to combat organized immigration crime.
London: The UK is stepping up its fight against people-smuggling. New laws are on the way that could restrict travel and phone use for suspects. The government wants to crack down on organized immigration crime, and this is part of that effort.
Under the proposed rules, suspects might not be able to use their phones or laptops, and they could face limits on who they can talk to. The Home Office is pushing for these changes, saying current laws aren’t being used effectively enough.
They’re looking to introduce “interim” orders that can be put in place quickly while the courts sort out the details. This means police and other agencies could ask for these orders directly, speeding up the process.
If someone breaks these new rules, they could end up in prison for up to five years. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has made it clear that they’re serious about stopping these criminals who are putting lives at risk.
She mentioned that stronger international cooperation has already led to significant arrests of dangerous gangs. The government is committed to giving law enforcement the tools they need to tackle these issues head-on.
With a recent spike in migrants crossing the English Channel, the timing of this announcement is crucial. There’s been a 25% increase in arrivals this year compared to last, and critics are saying the government needs to do more to control the situation.
Typically, more people attempt the crossing in the summer and autumn when conditions are better. The Home Office noted that there were more favorable days for crossings this past year, which contributed to the rise in numbers.
