Counter terror-style powers to fight smuggling gangs

The government has announced new counter terror-style powers to identify and disrupt people-smuggling gangs.

The new measures will mean that counter-terror style tactics will be used against smuggling gangs through tools to stop them before they act.

There will be stronger powers to seize and search mobile phones to investigate organised immigration crime and new offences against gangs conspiring to plan crossings, selling or handling small boat parts for use in the Channel, and supplying forged ID documents.

The laws will be part of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, introduced to parliament on 30 January.

The new measures are inspired by powers used to combat terrorism.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Over the last six years, criminal smuggling gangs have been allowed to take hold all along our borders, making millions out of small boat crossings.

"This Bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice.

"These new counter terror-style powers, including making it easier to seize mobile phones at the border, along with statutory powers for our new Border Security Command to focus activity across law enforcement agencies and border force will turbocharge efforts to smash the gangs.

"Our Plan for Change relies on strong border security. It is critical we have the tools at our disposal to pursue those who undermine them in every way we can."

Border security commander Martin Hewitt said: "It is vital that government and our law enforcement partners, working together as part of the UK’s border security system, have the right tools to tackle the people smuggling gangs abusing our border.

"This Bill will do exactly that, by equipping teams on the ground dealing with this issue first hand and empowering them to go further and act faster when dismantling organised criminality.

"These crucial measures will underpin our enforcement action across the system, and together with our strengthened relationships with international partners, we will bring down these gangs once and for all."