UK Government Introduces Travel Bans and Phone Restrictions to Combat People Smuggling, Says Yvette Cooper

Jan 2, 2025, 08:58 AM

The UK government has announced new measures to combat people smuggling, introducing restrictions under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. These measures include travel bans and restrictions on mobile phone and social media use for suspected people smugglers. The Home Office stated that these restrictions aim to disrupt organized crime networks involved in facilitating dangerous Channel crossings. The new legislation allows law enforcement agencies to apply directly to the High Court for an Interim Serious Crime Prevention Order, which can be imposed before a full order is considered. The government's move comes in response to a 25% increase in illegal migrants crossing the English Channel in 2024 compared to the previous year. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the need to stop criminal people smugglers who undermine border security and endanger lives.