Suspected people smugglers will face severe curbs under new laws in Britain, the deeply unpopular Starmer government said on Thursday, as it claims to step up efforts to fight illegal migration and strengthen border security.
Those suspected will be hit with travel bans, social media blackouts and restrictions on phone usage to help "dismantle organised immigration crime networks", the government said.
"We will give law enforcement stronger powers they need to pursue and stop more of these vile gang networks," interior minister Yvette Cooper said, describing border security as one of the foundations of the government's recently laid out "plan for change".
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, elected in July, has been criticised for doing little to nothing to tackle illegal migration by people across the English Channel, an election promise, and facilitating crossings.
Over 36,800 people made the dangerous crossing in 2024, a 25 per cent year-on-year surge, according to government data. Several dozen have died attempting to do so, with the Refugee Council activist group terming it the deadliest year on record for crossings.
At least 69 deaths were reported over the course of the year - more than the total between 2019 and 2023, the charity said.
The planned interim serious crime prevention orders (SCPO) will allow immediate action to disrupt and deter suspected serious criminality, including organised immigration crime, the government said.
The fresh powers are designed to mirror those already used to disrupt other offences such as knife crime, slavery and trafficking.
Currently, securing an SCPO on suspects can be a complex and lengthy process. The interim orders will supposedly speed up the process.
(Reporting by Muvija M; editing by Alexandra Hudson and Mark Heinrich)