UK PLANS NEW SANCTIONS LAWS TO TARGET PEOPLE-SMUGGLING GANGS-Over 36,800 people illegally crossed over in 2024.
Foreign Minister David Lammy says the UK will create a new sanctions regime to target the leaders of networks that smuggle tens of thousands of people into Britain each year, as well as the makers of the boats and motors being used .
Under huge political pressure to cut the numbers arriving in small boats from France, Lammy who stated that the laws would complement other reforms, says the measures will help to prevent, combat, deter and disrupt irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK,”
The government said the sanctions would be in place by the end of the year and enable authorities to ban those linked to people-smuggling from entering Britain, punish those trying to do business with them, and freeze assets.
According to government data, over 36,800 people made the crossing in 2024, 25% more than the previous year, while dozens have died in the attempt.
