UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK government’s border security bill will allow the restriction of suspected people trafficker’s activities, including travel and social media bans.
According to the Home Office, suspected Channel crossing organizers may be restricted from using laptops, social media accounts, and mobile phones under new court orders.
The news follows the latest statistics revealing a 25% rise in small boat arrivals, with more than 36,000 migrants crossing the Channel to the UK in 2024, compared to 29,437 in 2023.
The crackdown against the smugglers will be a major feature of the government’s border security bill, which is expected to come in the next few weeks.
As reported by The Guardian, in the final days of December 2024, 1,776 individuals crossed the Channel in 38 boats, despite efforts by the Home Office and National Crime Agency to prevent crossings.
Ministers expect the new orders in England and Wales will make it harder for suspected traffickers to operate, as the bill proposes up to five years in prison for breaches. However, experts warn that the impact may be limited.
The government has pledged to use every means possible to shut down the networks of people smuggling operations.
Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) already restrict the actions of those involved in organized immigration crime, but the government plans to impose new “interim” orders to place quick restrictions on suspects while courts review full orders.
The Home Office stated that law enforcement, including police and the National Crime Agency, would be permitted directly to the High Court for these orders, skipping the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The potential ban could include travel restrictions, and limits on using electronic devices and social media (even via third parties), along with prohibitions on meetings, communication, and monetary access. The duration of these measures would be decided by the High Court.
Yvette Cooper, the home secretary stated, “Dangerous criminal people-smugglers are profiting from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. They cannot be allowed to get away with it.”
She added, “Border security is one of the foundations of this Government’s Plan for Change, including making people better off, delivering safer streets and strengthening our NHS, and we will do everything in our power to deliver for working people.”
Since taking office in July, the Labour government has faced criticism for border mismanagement, following Home Office data showing 36,816 people crossed the Channel in the past year.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, argued that stronger enforcement alone would probably not change the figures.
He said focusing only on penalties without addressing the root causes behind migration, could lead to more risks and tragedy for those seeking safety in the UK.
Mr Solomon added, “The government should set out a strategy for safe and legal routes as a clear priority for 2025.”
The director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford, Madeleine Sumption stated the new bill to prevent people’s crossing would likely have little impact, possibly increasing the costs of crossings.
Sky News reported that the number of Channel Crossings is the second-highest since 2018, but it represents a 20% decrease compared to the record 45,774 arrivals seen in 2022.
While the Home Office figures did not show the number of fatalities during Channel crossings, 2024 is considered to be the deadliest year for migrants.
The French coastguard revealed that 53 people died during the past year, with at least three deaths near Calais on Sunday as people tried to reach England.
Ms Cooper said the government priorities would also include new return agreements, and tackle the asylum backlog, which has led to nearly 13,500 deportations since July but will also allow thousands to stay.
Chris Philp, the Shadow Home Secretary, stated Labour can’t claim to be tough on people trafficking gangs because they scrapped the Rwanda plan, which would have sent asylum seekers arriving by small boats to the African nation.