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The Independent
a few seconds ago
- The Independent
Crackdown on social media ads promoting small boat crossings to the UK
Gangs promoting small boat Channel crossings on social media will face up to five years in prison as part of a new crackdown announced by the government. An amendment to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill – currently going through parliament – will introduce a new, UK-wide offence to criminalise the creation of material for publication online which promotes or offers services facilitating a breach of UK immigration law. This could include small boat crossings, the creation of fake travel documents like passports or visas, or explicitly promising illegal working opportunities in the UK. While facilitating illegal migration is already a crime, the government said the proposed changes would 'add another string to law enforcement's bow, better enabling them to disrupt the gangs while they are publicising people smuggling activities and provide an additional tool when building a case against those peddling this content'. Approximately 80 per cent of migrants arriving via small boats told officials that they used social media during their illegal journey to the UK, including to locate or communicate with an agent or facilitator associated with an organised crime group, according to Home Office analysis. Individuals caught by the offence could receive a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine. It comes after the number of migrants arriving in the UK after crossing the English Channel topped 25,000 in record time, after some 898 people made the journey in 13 boats on Wednesday – the third highest daily number of crossings this year. The home secretary said ministers are 'determined to do everything we can' to prevent people smuggling gangs from helping people to make the dangerous crossing. 'Selling the false promise of a safe journey to the UK and a life in this country – whether on or offline – simply to make money, is nothing short of immoral', said Yvette Cooper. 'These criminals have no issue with leading migrants to life-threatening situations using brazen tactics on social media.' She added: 'We have to stay one step ahead of the ever-evolving tactics of people-smuggling gangs and this move, part of our Plan for Change to boost border security, will empower law enforcement to disable these tactics faster and more effectively, ensuring people face proper penalties.' Rob Jones, director general of the National Crime Agency, said: 'We know many of the people-smuggling networks risking lives transporting people to the UK promote their services to migrants using social media. 'The majority of migrants arriving in the UK will have engaged with smugglers in this way. This is why we work with social media companies to target smugglers' accounts, and we've increased the pace of takedowns.' In 2025 so far, 25,436 people have made the dangerous journey across the Channel – up 51 per cent on this point last year (16,842) and 73 per cent higher than at this stage in 2023 (14,732), according to PA news agency analysis. It is the earliest point in a calendar year at which the 25,000 mark has been passed since data on Channel crossings was first reported in 2018. Last year, the figure was passed on 22 September, and in 2023, it was on 2 October. With Nigel Farage's Reform UK surging in the polls, the figures come as a fresh blow to Sir Keir Starmer, whose pledge to tackle small boat crossings is a central pledge of his mission for government. The high numbers of crossings come despite the prime minister announcing a major 'one in, one out' returns deal with France last month. While it is hoped the deal will bring the spiralling numbers under control, the crossings have so far continued at pace.
BBC News
a minute ago
- BBC News
Murder arrest over Bury man Craig Foy missing for a week
A person has been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the disappearance of a man last seen a week Foy was last seen on Bury Old Road in Prestwich, near Kenyon Lane, on 26 July, Greater Manchester Police 40-year-old left an address on King's Close in Prestwich alone and on foot just after 23:30 BST and walked in the direction of Bury Old Road. He was seen on CCTV climbing into Heaton Park shortly before force said three men had been arrested on suspicion of murder, with one suspect since released on bail and two others to face no further action. 'Come to harm' Mr Foy is described as about 5ft 5in (1.5m) tall, of slim build with dark hair that is shaved on the sides and was last seen wearing a black cap, square glasses, black T-shirt, black cargo trousers and black Nike Ch Insp Jill Billington said: "At this time we don't where Craig is, whether he's come to harm, and whether anyone else is involved."We are now focusing on Heaton Park and the surrounding area. We have officers in and around the park carrying out searches for Craig and they will remain there for several days."Any witnesses who may have seen him or spoken to him should contact police."We are also appealing for drivers with any dashcam footage that may have captured Craig's movements and ask homeowners and businesses to check their CCTV and doorbell cameras." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Sun
a minute ago
- The Sun
Manhunt for killer after man found dead on bench by river with footpath sealed off & public warned to be on alert
A MANHUNT is underway for a killer after a man was found dead on a river bench with the footpath sealed off and the public warned to be on alert. Cops have now launched a murder investigation after the man was found dead near the River Nene, Northampton on Friday. Northamptonshire Police were called by East Midlands Ambulance service shortly after 6.30am on the morning of Friday, August 1. They were called to a canal footpath behind Auctioneers Court after reports that a man had been found on a bench fatally injured. A murder investigation has now been sparked by the force which has now seen the River Nene closed to pedestrians and river traffic between London Road bridge and Nunn Mills Road bridge. They said the river will likely remain closed until Tuesday evening while searches take place. No arrests have yet been made. Northamptonshire Police have also appealed to those living in nearby apartments overlooking the River Nene. Those with any information or video footage have been urged to get in contact with the police.
