UK plans tough laws to fight people smugglers

Suspected people smugglers will face severe curbs under new laws in Britain, the government said on Thursday, as it steps up efforts to fight illegal migration and strengthen border security.

Those suspected will face travel bans, social media blackouts and restrictions on phone usage to help the government "dismantle organised immigration crime networks," the statement added.

"We will give law enforcement stronger powers they need to pursue and stop more of these vile gang networks," interior minister Yvette Cooper said, describing border security as one of the foundations of the government's recently laid out 'plan for change'.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, elected to office in July, has prioritised tackling illegal migration by cracking down on the gangs who smuggle people across the English Channel, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, into Britain from France.

Currently, securing an SCPO on suspects can be a complex and lengthy process. The interim orders will speed up the process.