UK political news and official statements from political parties

Yvette Cooper Proposes Using Terrorism Act for New UK Laws Against People Smuggling, Aiming at 36,816 Migrant Crossings

Jan 2, 2025, 04:40 AM

The UK government has announced plans to introduce stringent new laws aimed at combating people smuggling, with measures that could impose travel bans and restrictions on the use of mobile phones and social media for those suspected of facilitating illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel. The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has proposed using the Terrorism Act 2006 to criminalize the possession of boats, engines, and life jackets if there is evidence of intent to smuggle migrants. The government's approach includes the use of Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) and new 'interim' SCPOs to immediately restrict the activities of suspects while full orders are considered, with breaches potentially leading to up to five years in prison. These plans will be part of the upcoming Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The measures come in response to a reported 25% increase in migrant crossings in 2024, with a total of 36,816 migrants arriving in the UK, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue of illegal migration and strengthening border security.