UK launches sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling gangs
LONDON - Britain on Monday launched a new sanctions regime targeting people-smuggling gangs and their enablers in what the government said was the first move of its kind globally.
The United Kingdom will be able to freeze assets, impose travel bans and block access to the country's financial system for individuals and entities involved in enabling irregular migration, without relying on criminal or counterterrorism laws.
The regime was previously outlined by foreign minister David Lammy in January. The British government said it would complement new powers in the Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill that has yet to be enacted.
The Labour government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to meet a pledge to stop the flow of tens of thousands of people into Britain from across the Channel in small boats.
"For too long, criminal gangs have been lining their corrupt pockets and preying on the hopes of vulnerable people with impunity as they drive irregular migration to the UK," British foreign minister David Lammy said in a statement.
" That's why the UK has created the world's first sanctions regime targeted at gangs involved in people smuggling and driving irregular migration, as well as their enablers."
The government said the measures would target those who supply small boats, fake documents and financial services used by smuggling networks.
Chris Philp, in charge of the security and immigration portfolio in parliament for the main opposition Conservatives, said in a statement that it would take more to stop the crossings.
"The truth is you don't stop the Channel crossings by freezing a few bank accounts in Baghdad or slapping a travel ban on a dinghy dealer in Damascus," he said. "Swathes of young men are arriving daily, in boats bought online, guided by traffickers who laugh at our laws and cash in on our weakness."
Starmer has recently agreed deals with France and Germany to help stop the arrival of small boats as he tries to stem the rise of the right-wing populist Reform UK party, led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage. REUTERS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
29 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Pakistan jails eight from former PM Imran Khan's party 2023 riots
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan pauses as he speaks with Reuters during an interview, in Lahore, Pakistan March 17, 2023. REUTERS/Akhtar Soomro/File Photo LAHORE - A Pakistani anti-terrorism court sentenced eight senior members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to 10 years in prison late on Tuesday over riots that targeted military sites following Khan's 2023 arrest, their lawyer said. Khan is on trial on similar charges, being tried separately. The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the residence of a senior commander in Lahore. The prosecution is still presenting witnesses in Khan's proceedings, and Tuesday's verdict does not directly affect his case. The sentences, issued in a jail trial in Lahore, are among a series of prosecutions involving Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Defence lawyer Burhan Moazzam said they would appeal. 'It is surprising that six people were acquitted while eight were convicted, even though they were all charged under the same allegations,' he said. The case relates to one of several incidents stemming from the May 9 unrest, involving alleged incitement during attacks near a major intersection in Lahore. Moazzam said separate trials were ongoing in connection with other incidents that day. Those sentenced include senior PTI figures who held positions in Khan's Punjab government: Yasmin Rashid, a former provincial health minister; Ejaz Chaudhry, a senator; Mehmoodur Rashid, a former housing minister; and Umar Sarfraz Cheema, a former provincial governor and aide to Khan. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The court also acquitted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi who is in custody in connection with other cases, and it was not immediately clear whether the acquittal would lead to his release. Commenting on the verdict, junior law minister Aqeel Malik told local media the decision was 'in line with the law and the constitution.' Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in 2022, remains in prison facing multiple cases, including charges of corruption, contempt, and disclosure of official secrets. He denies wrongdoing and says the cases are politically motivated. The military denies targeting PTI. Authorities say the May 9 violence caused billions in damage and led to over 3,000 arrests in Punjab. REUTERS
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Obama reiterates conclusion of attempted Russian interference in 2016 election
FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Barack Obama attends the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo WASHINGTON - The office of U.S. Democratic former President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that a document issued last week by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence does not undercut the conclusion that Russia tried to influence the 2016 U.S. election but that it did not manipulate any votes. "Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion that Russia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes," Obama's office said in a statement. President Donald Trump accused Obama of "treason" on Tuesday, blaming him, without providing evidence, for leading an effort to falsely tie him to Russia and undermine his 2016 presidential campaign. "These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction," Obama's office said. REUTERS
International Business Times
an hour ago
- International Business Times
Republicans Move to Subpoena Ghislaine Maxwell for Testimony Over Jeffrey Epstein Files Risking Trump's Wrath
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee is planning "seek to subpoena" convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell to testify in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case "as expeditiously as possible," a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. The move could anger Trump. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) had urged Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) to call the jailed British socialite to testify. Comer responded by asking Burchett to formally introduce a motion, which was then passed by the committee through a voice vote. "Since Ms. Maxwell is in federal prison, the Committee will work with the Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to identify a date when Committee can depose her," a committee rep said. Twist in the Tale X Despite demands from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, House Republican leadership has so far blocked efforts to release more details related to Epstein, the convicted pedophile who was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell on August 10, 2019. Earlier on Tuesday, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said that he had contacted Maxwell's legal team and planned to meet with her "in the coming days" to "hear what she has to say." Ghislaine Maxwell wuth Jeffery Epstein Instagram Maxwell's lawyer later confirmed that discussions with the Justice Department have taken place. Alan Dershowitz, a former attorney for Epstein, has claimed that Maxwell is fully aware of all of Epstein's disturbing crimes, calling her the "Rosetta Stone" of the long-running investigation. The Epstein case burst back onto front pages after a joint memo issued by the Justice Department and FBI on July 6, which concluded that the 66-year-old financier died by suicide in jail and that there was no "client list" of influential people involved in his crimes against underage girls—despite ongoing public speculation. Trouble for Trump The move could anger Trump as he had blasted the controversy as a "hoax" and slammed a segment of his own base for obsessing over it. Meanwhile, Democrats have seized the opportunity to capitalize on the issue, frequently pressuring Republicans to take a clear stance. Maxwell with Epstein US District Attorney's Office "We're not going to play political games with this," House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters Tuesday. "We want any individual who has been involved in any way in the Epstein evils to be brought to justice as quickly as possible." On Monday evening, Republicans abruptly paused a House Rules Committee session as Democrats prepared to push for a vote to make the Epstein files public. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Twitter Given that the House Rules Committee acts as the main gatekeeper for most legislation heading to a floor vote, the Republican leadership has been unable to move forward with other planned bills ahead of the August recess. On Tuesday, House GOP leaders announced that no further votes would take place after Wednesday afternoon. Just last week, the Trump administration requested a federal judge's approval to unseal grand jury testimony related to the cases of both Epstein and Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence following her conviction for sex trafficking and conspiracy.
