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New legislation has come into effect permitting authorities to confiscate mobile phones from individuals entering the UK illegally without the need to arrest them. This measure aims to enhance intelligence gathering on human trafficking operations that organize small boat crossings into the country. The government highlighted that this approach is designed to disrupt smuggling networks more effectively.
The Home Office announced that from Monday, phone seizures will begin at the Manston migrant processing centre located in Kent. The facility is equipped with technology capable of extracting data from devices onsite. Enforcement officers will have the authority to require migrants to remove their coats to check for concealed phones and even examine their mouths for hidden SIM cards.
According to the National Crime Agency, the data obtained could accelerate investigations into smuggling organizations. Border security minister Alex Norris emphasized the government’s commitment to regaining control over the borders by targeting the criminal gangs behind the dangerous trade. He stated, “That is exactly why we are implementing robust new laws with powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before and cut off their supply chains.” At the same time, the Refugee Council expressed concerns about the proportional use of these powers, noting that phones serve as vital lifelines for vulnerable individuals needing contact with their families.
Mike Tapp, minister for migration and citizenship, mentioned that confiscated phones might be returned depending on the specific circumstances and the information found on the devices. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said, “If people have devices… that could hold intelligence, then we are right to be able to seize that. But that doesn’t take away compassion.” The new laws also introduce serious penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for those involved in storing or supplying boat engines used to ferry migrants into the UK. Additionally, individuals found downloading navigational maps or researching equipment for smuggling activities face potential sentences of up to five years.
Martin Hewitt, responsible for reducing Channel crossings, revealed that since the establishment of his unit, over 4,000 interventions have disrupted smuggling efforts, including cash seizures and prosecutions of key figures. He described the introduction of these new powers as a “key moment” in intensifying efforts to combat migrant smuggling. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced forthcoming substantial reforms to the asylum system aimed at deterring arrivals and facilitating deportations. In 2025, more than 41,000 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats, an increase of nearly 5,000 compared to the previous year.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized Labour’s approach as insufficient, describing it as “cosmetic tweaks” without effective deterrents. He emphasized the Conservative commitment to leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which Labour opposes, favoring treaty reform instead. Philp remarked, “With more than 41,000 people arriving in 2025, the government needs to get a proper grip on the situation.
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