Suspected human smugglers could face travel restrictions, social media bans, and limited phone access under proposed government legislation. The new "interim" Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) aim to impose immediate curbs on suspects' activities while courts consider longer-term measures.

The announcement follows a sharp rise in small boat crossings of the English Channel, with over 36,800 migrants arriving in 2024—an increase of more than 7,000 compared to the previous year.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the orders as a crucial step to combat the "vile gang networks" profiting from human trafficking, stating that tougher powers are essential to disrupt these operations. However, shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticized the measures as ineffective and called for reinstating the Conservative-introduced Rwanda plan, which sought to relocate some asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Under the proposed orders, suspects could face restrictions such as bans on using electronic devices, social media, certain financial activities, and association with specific individuals. Law enforcement agencies like the National Crime Agency could apply directly to the High Court for these interim orders, bypassing the Crown Prosecution Service. Breaching an order could result in up to five years in prison.

The measures will be part of the forthcoming Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, expected in Parliament soon. Critics from both sides have voiced concerns, with Sir David Davis, a former Conservative minister, calling the proposals "unnecessarily draconian."

The backdrop to these changes includes the deadliest year on record for Channel crossings, with 78 lives lost in 2024, according to the International Organization for Migration. A recent tragedy on December 29 claimed three more lives in a small boat incident.

The Refugee Council attributed the growing use of overcrowded and unseaworthy boats to increased enforcement efforts against smuggling networks. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister defended the government's approach, citing the dismantling of trafficking gangs as a key priority after inheriting what he called "a very bad position" from the previous administration.