As part of its strategy to combat the continuing small-boats crisis faced by the UK, the Home Office has introduced a series of new measures specifically targeted at people smugglers. Rather than the approach of the previous government, which specifically targeted those in the boats themselves and threatened them with being “removed” to Rwanda, the new government’s approach echoes their promise to “smash the gangs”.
The new interim orders are described as a major upgrade to Serious Crime Prevention Orders, and will form part of the new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The government is under pressure to take action on migrants crossing by small boat after coming to power in July 2024, with figures from last year up by a quarter (7,000) on the previous year.
Let’s take a look at what changes will be made to interim orders and what difference they could make in terms of tackling people smuggler gangs.
How will interim orders be different?
At the moment, the ability to secure a Serious Crime Prevention Order to disrupt the activities of suspects such as people smugglers is a complex and length process. However, the use of new interim orders is slated to speed up the process for placing restrictions on people who are under investigation.
This will be done by allowing organisations such as the National Crime Agency (NCA), the police as well as other law enforcement agencies to apply directly to the High Court. This will enable immediate restrictions to be imposed while a full order is considered.
Restrictions
The government has advised that restrictions will vary on a case-by-case basis. However, some of the restrictions could involve the following:
- travel restrictions
- a ban on laptop or mobile phone usage
- restrictions on whom someone can associate with
- a ban on accessing social media networks, including via a third party
- restrictions on devices and communications with certain individuals
- restrictions on their finances, helping to prevent criminal proceeds from going under the radar
Furthermore, the breach of any of these interim orders could result in offenders spending up to 5 years in prison.
Final thoughts
While the new interim orders will probably not make a massive difference on their own, the government will hope that they will play a role as part of a wider package under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. The enabling of quicker restrictions on suspected people smugglers will also help to dismantle criminal networks more effectively.
Despite this, some may have questions about the government’s failure to address the reasons why people are willing to put their lives at risk by crossing the channel in the first place. Stay tuned for further updates throughout the year.
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