The UK Home Office is proposing to introduce a new criminal offense, “endangering life at sea,” as part of efforts to tackle illegal migration across the English Channel.
Under the proposal, those found guilty of “endangering life at sea” could face up to five years in prison. This offense would apply to anyone arriving in the UK by boat who has intimidated or coerced others into making the journey or refused rescue outside British waters.
As part of the plans, UK border officials would also be given the authority to seize migrants’ phones to gather information on those who facilitated their crossing. Additionally, individuals convicted of preparing illegal crossings—such as purchasing boats—could face up to 14 years in prison.
The measures, proposed by the UK’s Labour government, retain some previous policies, including extended detention periods for certain migrants and restrictions on those claiming to have been trafficked into slavery.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper told the BBC that the legislation is expected to be passed this year.
Channel migration remains a significant issue for the UK, with a record 973 migrants arriving in October, the highest monthly figure of the year.
In October, the BBC aired the findings of an in-depth investigation into migrant smuggling operations, in which a journalist posed as a migrant to expose how these networks operate.
