Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced new legislation aimed at tackling illegal small boat crossings, granting law enforcement greater powers to combat human smuggling
networks operating across the Channel.
Under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, investigators will be empowered to seize and analyze mobile phones belonging to suspected traffickers, while a new offense will be introduced to criminalize endangering lives at sea, with penalties of up to five years in prison.
Additionally, individuals involved in selling or handling vessel parts used for migrant smuggling could face up to 14 years behind bars under the proposed measures.
Expanded powers to tackle people smuggling
The bill grants law enforcement agencies broader investigative tools, including:
- The ability to copy and analyze data from mobile devices of suspects to prosecute those involved in illegal crossings.
- Making it illegal to possess or distribute materials related to human trafficking operations.
- Strengthened biometric checks overseas to prevent criminals from entering the UK.
- Enhanced data-sharing between the DVLA and HMRC to track vehicles potentially used for smuggling.
Government sources have described the current situation as a “floating crime scene,” citing reckless behavior leading to crush injuries and drownings. Border Force officials have also faced threats, while some suspected traffickers have been able to claim asylum with minimal consequences.
Political implications and opposition concerns
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously vowed to treat people smugglers as terrorists, emphasizing the government’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks. However, Labour’s approach is likely to spark debate within the party, as it retains some controversial measures introduced under the previous Conservative government, such as the ban on illegal migrants seeking protection under modern slavery laws and the power to detain child migrants for up to 28 days.
Labour’s Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has criticized such policies in the past, arguing that the 2023 Illegal Migration Act could strengthen traffickers' control over victims rather than dismantle smuggling operations.
A multi-faceted approach
Ms. Cooper defended the bill, stating that it would provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to disrupt smuggling operations and bring more traffickers to justice. She highlighted the introduction of counter-terror-style powers, including easier phone seizures at the border and expanded authority for the new Border Security Command.
“This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice,” she said.
Despite the government’s emphasis on security, critics argue that the bill fails to address the root causes of migration and could increase risks for refugees. Natasha Tsangarides from Freedom From Torture warned that tightening enforcement would make routes to safety even more dangerous.
Key Provisions of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill:
- Endangering lives at sea will become a criminal offense, with a five-year prison sentence.
- Physical aggression, coercion, or preventing rescues will carry harsher penalties.
- Police will gain new arrest powers for those suspected of storing or accessing materials related to human smuggling.
Handling small boat parts for smuggling will be punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
- Phones and laptops can be seized from migrants at the border, even before an arrest.
Organized crime prevention orders will impose travel bans, internet restrictions, curfews, and financial monitoring on suspected traffickers. The government plans to implement the legislation as quickly as possible, pending approval from Parliament. Photo by Ggia, Wikimedia commons.