LONDON, UK — The UK government has unveiled plans to create a new criminal offence of endangering lives at sea, carrying a prison sentence of up to five years.
The measure is part of its latest efforts to curb small boat crossings and combat people smuggling.
The proposed legislation, set to be included in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aims to give law enforcement broader powers to disrupt smuggling networks earlier in their operations.
The Home Office says the new laws will enable authorities to prosecute not only smugglers but also individuals who coerce or intimidate others into making dangerous crossings.
Expanded Law Enforcement Powers
The new offence would apply to migrants who force fellow passengers onto boats, refuse rescue outside British waters, or otherwise contribute to life-threatening situations during crossings.
Border officials will also be granted new powers to seize migrants’ mobile phones to extract intelligence on smuggling operations.
Additionally, individuals involved in acts of preparation—such as purchasing boat parts or organising transport to launch sites—could face up to 14 years in prison.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the proposed measures, stating:
“We can step in much earlier to take action on those who are facilitating the boats. These counter-terror-style powers will allow us to target criminal networks before lives are put at risk.”
Retaining Conservative-Era Policies
The bill retains several policies introduced by the previous Conservative government, including longer detention periods for some migrants and tighter restrictions on trafficking victims seeking asylum.
The announcement comes after the Labour government scrapped the controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the proposals, calling them “a weak bill from a weak government” and accusing Labour of merely reintroducing measures the Conservatives had already enacted.
“This is minor tinkering. We need real deterrents to stop the crossings,” Philp said.
People Smuggling Gangs Under Scrutiny
Law enforcement officials say that small boat launches from France are often chaotic and dangerous, with some passengers coerced into making the journey.
In some cases, migrants have reportedly held out infants to prevent others from boarding overcrowded vessels.
A senior UK law enforcement official described the situation as dealing with “traumatised victims in a floating crime scene”.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police forces will be given additional tools to crack down on smugglers. Under the new legislation:
- Smugglers could face court orders restricting their movement, internet use, and financial transactions while investigations are ongoing.
- People who buy or sell boat parts with suspected links to smuggling could be prosecuted.
- Individuals promoting crossings on social media or taking bookings could also face charges.
Authorities hope these expanded powers will allow them to arrest and charge more smugglers before boats leave France, rather than having to wait for crossings to occur.
Criticism from Refugee Advocates
While the government insists the new measures are essential to dismantle smuggling operations, asylum and refugee organisations argue that the focus on law enforcement ignores the need for safe migration routes.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said, “The government is right to tackle smuggling gangs, but we are very concerned that by creating new offences, many refugees themselves could also be prosecuted.”
International Cooperation
The UK has been working with European partners to tighten restrictions on smuggling networks. Recent agreements include:
- Germany criminalising illegal immigration to the UK, enabling prosecutors to target gangs operating within its borders.
- Bulgaria using health and safety laws to seize shipments of inflatables suspected of being used for crossings.
British authorities believe people smuggling networks involve hundreds rather than thousands of perpetrators, making it a more targeted problem than drug trafficking.
One recent case highlighted by law enforcement involved Amanj Hasan Zada, who was jailed for 17 years in November for organising small boat crossings from Preston.
Under the proposed new laws, investigators would no longer have to wait for crossings to occur; they could charge suspects for preparatory activities such as funding boats or recruiting migrants.
What Happens Next?
The government hopes to pass the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill later this year.
Ministers argue the legislation will strengthen national security and disrupt smuggling gangs, but opposition parties and refugee advocates remain sceptical about its broader implications.
