The UK government has revealed proposed new legislation targeted at suspected people smugglers, including travel restrictions, phone restrictions, and social media blackouts. The legislation seeks to introduce “interim” Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) to limit immediate restrictions on suspects’ activity while a full order is considered by the courts. The move came as it was revealed that the number of migrants arriving in Britain via the English Channel in small boats increased by a quarter in 2024, with more than 7,000 arrivals.
The government claims the new powers are required to fight “vile gang networks”, but Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp dismissed the measures as “laughable” and said they would fail as a deterrent. The proposed measures would allow for suspects to be barred from social media, using laptops and mobile phones, associating with certain people or accessing their finances. Police, the National Crime Agency and other law enforcement bodies would be able to apply directly to the High Court for these orders without going through the Crown Prosecution Service.
Violating an interim order could result in up to five years in prison. The changes to the law will be included in the government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the measures were necessary to tackle “dangerous criminal people smugglers … undermining our border security and putting lives at risk.”
In contrast, Sir David Davis, former Conservative cabinet minister, criticised the government’s proposals as “unnecessarily draconian.” The former minister’s comments followed the release of figures showing that the English Channel had its deadliest year on record in 2024, with 78 people dying while attempting to cross. The International Organisation for Migration warned that the vessels used in these crossings were becoming increasingly dangerous and unseaworthy
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