The UK plans to impose sanctions on gang leaders behind small boat crossings to combat human trafficking.
London: The UK is stepping up its game against the ringleaders of human trafficking gangs involved in those small boat crossings. Foreign Secretary David Lammy just announced a new sanctions regime aimed at smashing these gangs.
So, what’s the plan? Well, gang bosses and their enablers, like lawyers and accountants, could see their assets frozen in the UK. They might even face travel bans. It’s a big move to tackle illegal immigration.
Mr. Lammy mentioned that the UK is set to be the first country to create legislation specifically targeting irregular migration and organized crime. This is all part of a broader effort to prevent and disrupt the smuggling of migrants into the UK.
Now, the government hopes these sanctions will make people think twice before getting involved in human trafficking. But there’s a catch—many of these gangs operate overseas, so it’s unclear how effective this will be.
Still, Britain plans to collaborate with other countries to share intelligence about these gangs. They’re also looking to cut off the money that funds these criminal operations.
New legislation is on the way, and breaking these sanctions could lead to serious prison time. Mr. Lammy emphasized that tackling illegal immigration connects both foreign and domestic policies.
His speech highlighted a “Progressive Realism” approach to foreign policy, aiming to address global issues as they are, not just how we wish they were. The government is keen on working closely with European nations to tackle illegal immigration.
In fact, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with Emmanuel Macron to discuss this and other topics, like support for Ukraine. The new Labour government has scrapped the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme and is focusing on better collaboration with other countries.
They’re also working on speeding up the asylum process and increasing deportations for those who don’t have permission to stay. But it’s a tough situation, with over 36,000 people crossing the Channel in small boats this year alone.
Tragically, nearly 80 people, including children, lost their lives in the Channel this year while trying to reach the UK in unsafe boats. It’s been the deadliest year for these crossings.
Interestingly, about two-thirds of those arriving by small boats are granted asylum, according to experts. Just recently, two Londoners were jailed for trying to smuggle Indian migrants into the UK in a hidden van compartment.
