UK Launches World's First Sanctions Regime Against People-Smuggling Gangs
The UK has introduced a groundbreaking sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling gangs and their enablers, without relying on traditional laws. This initiative aims to curb irregular migration by freezing assets and imposing travel bans. The move follows pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address migration issues effectively.
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- United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has unveiled a pioneering sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling networks and their facilitators, marking a global first. The regime allows the UK to freeze assets, impose travel bans, and restrict access to its financial system for those involved in fostering irregular migration, bypassing standard criminal or counterterrorism laws.
Initially proposed by Foreign Minister David Lammy in January, this sanctions setup is designed to complement forthcoming powers in the soon-to-be-enacted Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. Under mounting pressure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government is determined to honor its commitment to halt the influx of thousands arriving via the Channel.
The government targets suppliers of boats, fake documents, and financial services aiding smuggling operations. However, shadow minister Chris Philp argues for stronger measures, stating that account freezes and travel bans are insufficient. Keir Starmer's negotiations with France and Germany aim to counter the rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party by curbing small boat arrivals.
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