UK plans tough laws to fight people smugglers

2/1/2025 16:28

Suspected people smugglers will face severe curbs under new laws in Britain, the government said on Thursday, as it steps up efforts to fight illegal migration and strengthen border security.



Those suspected will be hit with travel bans, social media blackouts and restrictions on phone usage to help "dismantle organised immigration crime networks", the government said.



"We will give law enforcement stronger powers they need to pursue and stop more of these vile gang networks," interior minister Yvette Cooper said, describing border security as one of the foundations of the government's recently laid out "plan for change".



Prime Minister Keir Starmer, elected in July, has prioritised tackling illegal migration by cracking down on the gangs who smuggle people across the English Channel, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, into Britain from France.



Over 36,800 people made the dangerous crossing in 2024, a 25% year-on-year surge, according to government data. Several dozen have died attempting to do so, with the Refugee Council charity terming it the deadliest year on record for crossings.