UK to introduce 'world first' sanctions regime to target people smugglers
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A "world first" sanctions regime which specifically targets people smugglers will be introduced by the government this year, David Lammy will announce. The foreign secretary will confirm the measure in a speech on Thursday, saying it is part of Labour's plan to reduce Channel crossings by targeting criminal networks organising the journeys.
Politics latest: MPs vote against new grooming inquiry. It is not clear what the sanctions could look like, but the government said it would starve smuggling gangs of "illicit finance fuelling their operations". If it works like other sanction regimes, this could mean asset freezes on those suspected of people smuggling, with breaches of the measures punishable by up to seven years in prison.
It comes on top of recently announced plans for travel bans and social media blackouts on people thought to be linked to organised immigration crime. Further details of the latest measure will be set out by Mr Lammy on Thursday morning. In a statement ahead of the speech, the foreign secretary said: "I'm proud to announce that the UK is set to be the first country in the world to develop legislation for a new sanctions regime specifically targeting irregular migration and organised immigration crime.
"This will help to prevent, combat, deter and disrupt irregular migration and the smuggling of migrants into the UK.". Analysis:Can government make bold plan bite?. The UK already has various sanction regimes, such as those aimed at targeting Russians linked to the war in Ukraine.
