The United Kingdom is taking bold steps to combat irregular migration and stimulate economic growth by reforming the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO). Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a series of measures aimed at dismantling people smuggling networks, including freezing their bank accounts and assets. These actions mark the world's first sanctions specifically targeting people smugglers and are part of a broader initiative to curb illegal migration into the UK.
In a move to address the rising issue of irregular migration, the UK government will introduce new legislation crafted by government sanction experts alongside law enforcement and Home Office staff. This legislation is expected to come into force later this year. As part of these efforts, the UK's Border Security Command has been granted enhanced powers to freeze the bank accounts of smuggling networks, a measure that was announced in November.
The prevalence of dangerous crossings across the English Channel has surged, with the number of people detected crossing in small boats increasing by 25% in 2024, from 29,437 in 2023 to 36,816. The government acknowledges that these sanctions will make it more challenging for gangs to profit from the deadly trade of people smuggling.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the critical role of the FCDO in tackling irregular migration, stating that his department would work closely with the Home Office to utilize every available tool to regain control of the UK's borders. Lammy highlighted the importance of not allowing past issues to obscure current efforts.
"We must stop the 1990s clouding our vision."
— David Lammy
The new measures include travel bans, social media blackouts, and phone restrictions for suspected people smugglers. However, officials admit they currently lack detailed information about how many people smugglers may be targeted or the extent of their assets within UK banks. The government describes these sanctions as highly technical and legal, requiring months to fully develop.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer underscored the significance of these measures in depriving smuggling gangs of the illicit finances that fuel their operations.
"Hit them where it hurts."
"Only care about one thing: money."
— Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
The proposed sanctions represent a significant shift in the UK's approach to tackling people smuggling. They aim to disrupt the financial incentives driving the illegal trade while simultaneously addressing broader concerns of national security and economic stability. However, not everyone agrees with the current administration's strategies. Dame Priti Patel criticized the government's credibility on addressing people smuggling, highlighting their opposition to tougher punishments and life sentences for offenders.
"No credibility on dealing with the evil trade in people smuggling."
"In Parliament they voted against tougher punishments and life sentences for people smugglers, abolished the Rwanda deterrent and campaigned in favour of the rights of dangerous criminals and foreign national offenders, over the safety of the British people."
— Dame Priti Patel