UK Cracks Down on People Smugglers with Tough New Laws

The UK is introducing stricter laws targeting people smugglers, involving travel restrictions and phone bans. Interim orders will enhance efforts to deter organized crime by imposing immediate restrictions, aiming to disrupt smuggling networks and reinforce border security. These measures are part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill.

The UK government has introduced stringent laws to combat organized immigration crimes by people smugglers. New legal measures enacted on Thursday include travel restrictions and bans on phone usage, aimed at dismantling these crime networks.

The Home Office announced that interim orders would now enable swift action to thwart and discourage serious crimes, marking a significant advancement in the application of Serious Crime Prevention Orders. These orders are part of larger efforts under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, mirroring powers used against knife crime and trafficking.

These interim orders empower the UK's National Crime Agency, police, and other law enforcement agencies to impose immediate restrictions while further legal proceedings are underway. The UK's proactive strategy includes international agreements with Germany and Iraq, aiming to decrease illegal crossings in the English Channel.

(With inputs from agencies.)