In the United Kingdom, suspected migrant smugglers will be subject to travel bans and restrictions on access to social networks, the British government announced on Thursday January 2, which is facing a sharp increase in illegal crossings of the Channel. In 2024, 36,816 irregular migrants managed to cross the Channel from France, an increase of 25% compared to 2023, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior published on January 1.
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Since coming to power in July 2024, the Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer promises to strengthen the fight against “ gangs » of smugglers. People suspected of being part of these networks will therefore be subject to “ travel bans, bans on access to social networks and restrictions on the use of telephones », According to a government press release. “ By taking action at an early stage, without the need for a conviction, these interim orders will help combat people smugglers and other forms of serious and organized crime », says the government British.
More and more crossings dangerous »
A bill must be presented in the coming weeks. In a report published this Thursday, January 2, the NGO Refugee Council also affirms that the government’s policy, “ including increased efforts to dismantle smuggling networks, have made Channel crossings even more dangerous “. For this NGO, “ increasingly overcrowded and dilapidated boats have increased the risks for those making the journey “. Refugee Council criticizes government for failing to take action to improve relief for migrants in difficulty during the crossing.
“ The deadliest year »
On the other hand, Refugee Council calls on the government to publish, “ jointly with the French government », data on migrant deaths in the Channel, specifying age, sex and nationality when known. According to this NGO, 2024 was “ the deadliest year on record » for migrants crossing the Channel, with at least 69 deaths reported. According to French authorities, at least 76 people died in around twenty shipwrecks in 2024.
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