Fri Jan 03 06:07:42 UTC 2025: ## UK to Crack Down on People Smuggling with Stricter Measures

**London, January 3, 2025** – The UK government announced a tough new plan to combat the rising number of migrants crossing the English Channel by boat. The initiative, unveiled Thursday, will allow authorities to impose stricter, interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) on suspected people smugglers *before* criminal charges are filed.

This move follows a record-breaking year in 2024, with approximately 36,816 people detected crossing the Channel – a 25% increase compared to 2023. The current SCPO process is lengthy, hindering its effectiveness. The new interim orders will allow for quicker imposition of restrictions, including bans on using laptops, mobile phones, social media, and accessing finances. Breaching an interim order carries a potential five-year prison sentence.

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper stated that the government aims to disrupt the criminal networks profiting from dangerous crossings. However, the plan has drawn criticism from some quarters. Conservative MP David Davis raised concerns about potential overreach, while the Refugee Council highlighted the increased dangers faced by migrants due to heightened enforcement, urging the government to consider safe and legal routes alongside stricter measures. The council also noted a record number of deaths in the Channel in 2024. The new legislation is expected to be introduced in parliament in the coming weeks.

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