Tag: Home Office

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 September 2024.

Home Secretary to spearhead a cross-government approach to tackling violence against women and girls, part of the wider mission to take back our streets.

Victims of domestic abuse will be better protected from vile perpetrators under new plans to strengthen the police’s fight against violence towards women and girls, announced by the Home Secretary today (Friday, 20 September).

Marking the first step in the government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade, a key element of the wider mission to take back our streets, domestic abuse specialists will be embedded in 999 control rooms.

Almost 100 domestic abuse related offences were recorded by the police every hour on average last year. This new initiative will ensure calls for help are treated with the urgency needed and victims get the specialist support they need straight away.

This will form part of ‘Raneem’s Law’, in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in 2018.  There were 13 reports made to the police about concerns for Raneem’s safety, with no arrests made. On the night she was killed, she rang 999 four times.

The government will fund this pilot in targeted police forces from early 2025. Specialists with expertise in domestic abuse will be embedded in 999 control rooms to advise on risk assessments and work with officers on the ground, to ensure that victims get a fast response when needed and are referred to support services as quickly as possible.

These specialists will be backed up by dedicated teams to improve how the police respond to these kinds of calls, including using new technology to respond more quickly such as rapid video response.

‘Raneem’s Law’ will be put on a statutory footing by issuing national guidance that police will be required to follow.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

Victims of appalling domestic abuse need to know that the police will be there for them. Today’s measures are the start of this new government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.

Failure to understand the seriousness of domestic abuse costs lives and far too many have already been lost. That’s why introducing ‘Raneem’s Law’ in memory of Raneem and her mother Khaola is so vital – and has been a personal priority for me.

Through an expert-led, practical police response, we need to ensure that when victims and survivors of abuse have the courage to come forward it will be treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. Our mission is for the whole of government, agencies, organisations and communities to work together to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, and today is just one step of many towards tangible and long-lasting change.

Nour Norris, lead campaigner, aunt and sister of Raneem Oudeh and Khaola Saleem, said:

Six years ago, when I lost my niece Raneem and sister Khaola, my world fell apart. Their suffering and the way the system failed them is something I will never forget. That’s when I began my campaign, Secure Life for Raneem’s Law. What started as a quest for justice for my family became a mission to improve outcomes for all domestic abuse victims everywhere.

Raneem’s Law will ensure that domestic abuse specialists are present in 999 control rooms so victims’ calls for help are taken seriously and save lives by making sure no warning signs are ignored, unlike in Raneem’s story. I am deeply proud that this government has listened and acted quickly to make Raneem’s Law a reality. Their commitment to addressing domestic violence has shown me that change is possible when we refuse to stay silent.

Knowing that Raneem’s name will now be a source of hope and protection for others fills me with a sense of pride I cannot put into words. Raneem’s memory lives on in this law, and it means the world to me to know that her story will help save lives.

In a further step to keep women and girls safe, from November more domestic abusers will be ordered to stay away from their victims and face tougher sanctions if they fail to do so through the launch of the new domestic abuse protection order pilot.

The pilot will build on powers police already have to legally order abusers to not make contact with or go within a certain distance of the victim – but domestic abuse victims are currently only protected for up to 28 days.

The new orders will go further, with measures such as making it a legal requirement for perpetrators to inform the police of any change in name or address, imposing electronic tagging, and ordering assessments for behaviour change programmes. There will also be no maximum duration for these orders.

The orders will cover all forms of domestic abuse, including violence, stalking and controlling behaviour, and more agencies will be able to apply for them – not just the police and criminal courts but also family and civil courts, and third parties such as local authorities, charities and social services, with victims also able to apply directly for the order themselves.

Breaching one of these new orders will be a criminal offence, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

For too long, we know victims haven’t had the protection they deserve. We have set out an ambitious mission – to halve violence against women and girls in a decade – and offering the strongest and most effective response to incidents of domestic abuse is absolutely fundamental to this.

Embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms and rolling out new protective orders to pilot forces and courts across the country are both huge steps towards the best response for victims possible.

Working with Nour, Raneem’s aunt and Khaola’s sister, has been one of the greatest honours of my life. We must make sure that when we change our policies those are the people that it comes from. The people with direct experience.

Today’s announcement marks the launch of the government’s unprecedented mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, which is an integral part of the wider mission to take back our streets and raise confidence in the police and criminal justice system to its highest levels.

To deliver this long-term reform and ensure efforts remain coordinated and effective, the Home Secretary will spearhead a cross-government approach to violence against women and girls through the Safer Streets Mission Board. This will ensure that all parts of government are focused on tackling gender-based violence.

The package of measures announced today reinforce the government’s commitment to use every government and police tool to target perpetrators and address the root causes of violence. This includes supporting schools and educational institutions in teaching children about healthy relationships, respect, and consent. Prevention and education are key pillars of the government’s broader strategy, alongside enforcement and victim protection.

Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs said:

I welcome today’s announcements on progress to introduce Raneem’s law and pilot the new domestic abuse protection orders.

It is estimated that the police receive a call about domestic abuse every 30 seconds. Emergency call handlers must be equipped to respond with the understanding and urgency that is needed to keep victims safe.

Domestic abuse protection orders should also play an important role in protecting victims from harm, enabling police to manage the risk posed by perpetrators more effectively. This pilot is much needed, and must be tested effectively so that when it is rolled out nationally, every victim is able to access a robust protective order.

These announcements represent a first step forward in government’s commitment to halve VAWG in a decade, and I look forward to working together to make this ambition a reality.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Domestic Abuse, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe, said:

Domestic abuse is a complex and entrenched societal problem that can inflict life-long harm on victims and families, and accounts for a significant proportion of police-recorded crime.

Providing support for victims and their families and to introduce effective and sustainable solutions to disrupt perpetrators is vital.

Policing is working hard to improve the way it responds to domestic abuse, from the moment a crime is reported through to conviction.

We remain deeply committed to working with partners, including government, as part of a whole-system approach to safeguard victims and pursue perpetrators. We welcome the government’s commitment to making improvements in this area.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 18 September 2024.

Safe access buffer zones will be in force around abortion clinics from 31 October to bring in stronger safeguards for women accessing services.

Protection zones around abortion clinics will be in force from 31 October, as the government moves to bring in stronger safeguards for women accessing this vital health service.

Safe access buffer zones will make it illegal for anyone to do anything that intentionally or recklessly influences someone’s decision to use abortion services, obstructs them, or causes harassment or distress to someone using or working at these premises. The law will apply within a 150 metre radius of the abortion service provider.

Anyone found guilty of breaking the law will face an unlimited fine. The College of Policing and Crown Prosecution Service will publish guidance for police and prosecutors ahead of 31 October, to ensure there is clarity and consistency with the enforcement of the new offence.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said:

The right to access abortion services is a fundamental right for women in this country, and no one should feel unsafe when they seek to access this.

We will not sit back and tolerate harassment, abuse and intimidation as people exercise their legal right to healthcare, which is why we have fast-tracked this measure to get it up and running without further delay.

For too long abortion clinics have been without these vital protections, and this government is determined to do all we can do to make this country a safer place for women.

Baroness Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women’s Health and Mental Health said:

The safety and wellbeing of women accessing abortion services remains our priority. No women should feel scared or threatened when accessing these services, and it is only right they are protected from any abuse or harassment.

This government will continue to work closely with NHS England, abortion providers and the wider sector to ensure that women have access to safe, high quality abortion services.

The relevant zones also need to be on or next to a public highway or road, in an open space to which the public has access, or within the area of land attached to an abortion clinic, or in a location that is visible from any of those areas.

The measure applies to any clinics and private hospitals that are approved under the Abortion Act 1967, and for any NHS hospital that has given notification in the current or previous calendar year that it has carried out abortions.

Safe access zones were introduced through the Public Order Act 2023, following a free vote in Parliament that received cross-party support.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 12 September 2024.

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill will increase preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks at public venues.

The public will be better protected from terrorism under new laws requiring many public venues to improve preparedness against attacks and bring in measures to help keep people safe.

The new legislation, also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, will make sure venues across the UK must consider the security of the public, and take steps to protect them from harm.

This will deliver on the government’s manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public events as well as the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, that he would bring in this law.

Under the changes, a new duty will be placed on those responsible for premises and public events, requiring them to take appropriate action to strengthen public safety, with requirements reflecting the size of the venue and the activity taking place.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

Martyn’s Law has been a long time coming.

I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.

This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn’s memory and to help keep people safe.

Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, said:

I want to thank everyone who has played a part in getting the bill to this stage, and especially the Prime Minister, who gave me his word that he would act quickly to introduce Martyn’s Law. He said he would act quickly and he has.

Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It is also hugely important for my family that Martyn’s Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn’s death.

As set out in the bill, those responsible for premises will be required to fulfil necessary but proportionate steps, according to their capacity, to help keep the public safe. This includes a tiered approach, linked to the size of the venue, how many people will be there and the activity taking place, making sure undue burdens are not placed on small businesses.

A standard tier premises will apply to locations with a capacity of more than 200 people but under 800. These businesses will be asked to undertake simple yet effective activities to put in place procedures to reduce harm to the public in the event of an attack. These could be as simple as training staff to lock doors, close shutters and identify a safe route to cover.

The enhanced tier will apply to premises and events with a capacity of more than 800 individuals, given the devastating impact an attack could have in these spaces. These locations will need to put in place measures such as CCTV or hiring security staff.

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:

We are determined to strengthen security at public events and venues and passing Martyn’s Law will be vital step forward in this objective.

Today’s bill is the result of a considerable amount of consultation, consideration and collaboration. I look forward to working with colleagues in Parliament to deliver this important legislation.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Matt Jukes, said:

Through Martyn’s Law we can ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. Counter Terrorism Policing welcomes today’s bill and we look forward to seeing it progress through Parliament.

We’re all inspired by and motivated by the experience of victims and survivors. Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for Martyn’s Law and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that we are one step closer to ensuring the public has additional protection in the form of this legislation.

We will continue to work with the public, with businesses, and with the government to ensure that when a terrorist attack takes place we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies.

Following Royal Assent, businesses will be given time and support to understand and implement their new obligations and allow for the new regulator to be established. This will include dedicated guidance so that those affected will have the required information on what to do and how best to do it.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 September 2024.

Specialist neighbourhood policing training will be rolled out across the country as the government kicks off its pledge to restore neighbourhood policing.

With crimes that blight communities on the rise, like shoplifting, snatch theft and antisocial behaviour, the government has pledged to put thousands more neighbourhood police officers, community support officers and special constables are out patrolling streets and town centres.

As a first step towards this goal, the Policing Minister will today announce nationwide rollout of a new training programme for neighbourhood policing officers developed by the College of Policing, to improve standards and consistency across forces.

The Neighbourhood Policing Pathway, which is currently being trialled and based on evidence of what works, will help officers build on the core skills they need to tackle the issues communities face every day. This will include helping officers build relationships across local communities and give them the skills and confidence they need to solve issues that affect local residents.

In a speech delivered at the Police Superintendents’ Conference today, Dame Diana Johnson, the Crime and Policing Minister said:

Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue.

There are thousands of incredible police officers and support staff doing an admirable job. But we have to face the reality that there are still too many victims of anti-social behaviour who feel that when they call the police, no one listens and no one comes.

Our neighbourhoods and police forces have suffered enough after a decade of decline, and this government will help restore neighbourhood policing, with skilled, resilient and dedicated local cops.

Every community deserves local officers who understand what is needed to keep them safe, and with this new training and our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, we will deliver the change our towns and villages are desperate for.

The College of Policing’s Neighbourhood Policing Programme Career Pathway focuses on problem solving the issues that affect local residents, like drug dealing or drug use in public places, nuisance behaviour on our streets which causes harassment and street drinking. It will also cover community engagement, supporting officers to build relationships which help to gather intelligence, cut crime and develop plans to address local issues. There is also specific training for those who lead neighbourhood teams.

The most recent crime figures showed that 35% of people have experienced or witnessed anti-social behaviour in their local community in the last year alongside a 30% annual rise in shoplifting, which remains at a record high.

Chief Constable at the College of Policing, Sir Andy Marsh, said:

Dedicated training for neighbourhood officers by the College of Policing will help transform the service policing provides to local communities and help deliver trusted and effective policing that cuts crime and keeps people safe. This programme is based on years of evidence of what works and I’m confident it will make a real difference.

This is a welcome investment by the government and the College of Policing, that will support dedicated and hardworking officers and staff to protect their communities, cut crime and rebuild trust and confidence.

Good neighbourhood policing, which, at its core is about engaging with local people on local issues, is a vital part of any police force, if they are to be effective and help people feel safe.

First launched in June, the training has been piloted in 11 forces, including Northumbria, North Wales, Derbyshire and the Metropolitan Police. When fully rolled out, the training programme will be available to police forces across the country to enrol any neighbourhood officer or PCSO on.

The pilots are expected to finish at the end of March 2025, after which the training programme will be refined before being expanded across the country.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 September 2024.

People dealing with the death of their partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement waived, under new rules laid in Parliament today.

Currently, people who wish to apply for settlement in the UK following the death of their partner are required to pay a £2,885 fee. This is despite the sudden change in financial circumstances that often occurs following a loss.

The policy change forms part of a fairer and more compassionate approach to those wishing to stay in the UK and facing acute financial vulnerability during times of grief.

From 9 October, those who qualify include partners on a family visa who meet the criteria for destitution, if their partner either had:

• been a British citizen
• indefinite leave to remain in the UK
• been from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and had pre-settled status

Bereaved partners of members of HM Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans (discharged before 1 July 1997) may also benefit from this fee waiver.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, said:

Losing a loved one is a deep and unimaginable pain, all too often compounded by the immense financial strain faced by those left behind.

Widows, widowers, and their dependent children who had become integral parts of our communities can now apply for a fee waiver if facing destitution, in order to settle and keep the life they have built.

This marks a fairer and more compassionate approach to those unable to afford the settlement fees, but who have often worked, paid their taxes and contributed to life here in the UK, including the partners of our military veterans.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns OBE MC MP, said:

We are committed to supporting our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families who have made extraordinary sacrifices to ensure we are secure at home and safe abroad.

Whilst we cannot lessen the pain of losing a loved one, this measure will lessen the financial burden on the Armed Forces community, giving families the support they rightly deserve to continue building their life in the UK.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 September 2024.

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

The government is taking major steps towards delivering its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system and has today set out new implementation dates for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.

Today we are confirming that from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on GOV.UK. Anyone needing to apply for an ETA will be able to do so through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:

Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.

The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.

People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. eVisas mean people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.

The government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their eVisa.

Most BRPs are due to expire on 31 December 2024, and BRP holders are urged to take action before their BRP expires.

Creating the account enables people to use online services to prove their rights and manage their data, such as their personal details and passport information, and won’t impact their underlying immigration status. Through government funding, extra support is being provided for vulnerable people who need to take action to move from physical documents to an eVisa.

The government continues to work closely with global airline, maritime and rail carriers, who are crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of our digitisation programme.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 September 2024.

The Prime Minister is launching a new coalition today (9 September 2024), to tackle knife crime and stop young people being dragged into violent gangs.

Joined by anti-knife crime campaigner, and co-founder of the Elba Hope Foundation, Idris Elba, the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime will bring together campaign groups, families of people who have tragically lost their lives to knife crime, young people who have been impacted and community leaders, united in their mission to save lives and make Britain a safer place for the next generation.

The coalition will also include technology companies, sport organisations as well as partners in the health service, education and the police.

It will work with experts to develop an extensive understanding of what causes young people to be dragged into violence, providing vital evidence that will drive government policy and holding the government to account on its knife crime commitments.

Ahead of its launch, later today the Prime Minister will meet with the Home Secretary, Idris Elba and campaign groups at the first annual Knife Crime Summit at Downing Street.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister will set out how this mission is personal for him. After years spent working as the Director of Public Prosecutions, he has seen first-hand how violence on our streets can destroy families and leave communities devastated.

He will reassure the families that they can have confidence in his determination, and that he has a plan for action, not just talk. He pledged that he will pull the levers needed to halve knife crime, including bringing in new legislation.

This work has already begun with legislation underway to ban ninja swords.

The government will also strengthen the laws around the online sales of knives, making sure the rules in place to stop dangerous weapons ending up in the hands of young people are enforced.

Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Policing lead for knife crime, has been tasked with leading a rapid review to understand how these weapons are sold online and delivered to under 18s, identifying gaps in legislation and the most effective ways to stop this. He will report back to the Home Secretary by the end of the year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

As Director of Public Prosecutions, I saw first-hand the devastating impact that knife crime has on young people and their families. This is a national crisis that we will tackle head on.

We will take this moment to come together as a country – politicians, families of victims, young people themselves, community leaders and tech companies – to halve knife crime and take back our streets.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

We will not sit back while precious lives are being lost and young people’s futures destroyed. That is why we are making it a mission for the country to halve knife crime in a decade.

Getting weapons off our streets and making sure there are tough and clear consequences for violence are vital. And we also need to prevent young people heading down this path – that means offering young people more hope, more opportunities.

This coalition is crucial – bringing together those who have fought so passionately for change and who know how devastating knife crime can be and why we need action now.

Anti-knife crime campaigner Idris Elba OBE said:

We need to tackle the root causes of knife crime, not just the symptoms. The coalition is a positive step toward rehabilitating our communities from the inside out.

Commander Stephen Clayman, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, said:

We welcome the government’s further commitment to tackling knife crime through today’s announcements.

Knife crime continues to blight the lives of individuals, families and whole communities and despite so much brilliant work ongoing around the country, policing cannot solve this problem alone. Knives are far too easily accessible, with online sellers being a key focus of our work over the last year. I look forward to leading the review into online supply and continuing to work in close partnership with government, retailers and the third sector to find ways we can bring meaningful, long-term change that will make our streets safer for everyone.

Today’s announcement is the first step in the government’s 10-year plan to tackle knife crime, which will be central to its mission to keep our streets safe.

It will build on the new Young Futures programme, already set out by the Home Office, to offer young people a pathway out of crime.

This will create prevention partnerships for young people most at risk of being dragged into violence, and bring together the right services to help them lead safe and healthy lives. Young Futures hubs will be set up offering young people a safe place to go where they can be diverted into positive activities and access the services they need.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 September 2024.

A people smuggler who left 7 migrants screaming for help after cramming them into a tiny concealment in the back of his van has been jailed for 10 years.

Anas Al Mustafa, 43, was sentenced today at Lewes Crown Court after ferry staff discovered 7 terrified migrants hidden in a 2 metre compartment of his lorry at Newhaven Ferry Port earlier this year.

Mustafa, who was travelling on a ferry from Dieppe, France to the UK, hid 7 people behind a fitted panel which was specially designed to hide the group in the rear of his van.

His victims, who were forced to stand due to the miniscule size of the gap, were left with no access to clean air, food or water for hours.

As of today, one of the victims, who suffered a stroke, has since developed a long-term memory issue as a result of the conditions they were placed in by Mustafa. One woman also suffered from acute kidney injuries. The rest all required urgent hospital treatment for heat exhaustion and dehydration.

On 29 August, the jury unanimously found the father of 2 guilty of facilitating the breach of UK immigration law.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, said:

This evil criminal put 7 people’s lives at risk for cash. It is a miracle they are still alive after the conditions they were put in at the hands of Mr Mustafa.

We cannot let these criminal gangs continue to put lives on the line, which is why we are taking decisive action against those who undermine our border security. Our new Border Security Command brings together hundreds of specialist investigators who are dedicated to tackling the criminal gangs upstream before they get a chance to operate in the UK.

Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigations regional lead, Chris Foster, said:

Today’s sentence is a clear message to the careless people smugglers who put profit over lives, we will continue to tirelessly pursue you and bring justice to those you exploit.

The victims are extremely lucky to be alive. This harrowing case shows the extraordinary lengths criminals go to to keep their business model going. My team are committed to staying one step ahead to make sure we stop them and protect lives.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 September 2024.

The Home Secretary convenes ministers and law enforcement partners to destroy the gangs that undermine border security and risk lives on small boats.

The Home Secretary will convene a landmark operational summit of cabinet ministers and law enforcement partners today (Friday 6 September), as she sets out the moral imperative to destroy the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings.

Her comments come after the horrific tragedy in the Channel this week that saw the deaths of at least 12 people, with others reported to be still in a critical condition.

The Home Secretary will be joined at the NCA headquarters in London by ministers including the Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Attorney General Lord Hermer, as well as representatives from the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The UK Intelligence Community (UKIC) is deploying formidable covert capability to support the NCA to penetrate and dismantle the gangs at every level of operation – from facilitators to financiers.

UKIC will also attend this landmark meeting, which will set out the progress being made on intensifying the enforcement activity aimed at disrupting, intercepting and destroying the criminal network moving people, boats and engines into Europe and across the continent to the French coastline.

Ministers and law enforcement partners will examine the findings from the analysis commissioned by the Home Secretary on the operational capabilities of the criminal smuggling gangs. Discussion will also be focused on collaboration with European enforcement agencies, including Europol, and plans will be put forward to rapidly enhance this through the government’s new Border Security Command in the coming months.

NCA Director General Graeme Biggar will highlight how close co-operation with the Bulgarian authorities and an established NCA presence in that critical transit country has led to more than 40 small boats and engines being intercepted in recent weeks. This material, now removed from the smuggling supply chain, could have enabled up to 2,400 people to attempt the deadly crossing.

He will also set details of around 70 further live investigations, including:

• working with the Libyan police to target gangs trafficking migrants through Libya, with raids on warehouses where migrants are housed, often in appalling conditions, before making their onward journey to Europe
• collaboration with French authorities to investigate the death of a woman killed in an overloaded boat on 28 July

This meeting led by the Home Secretary comes as she spoke to her French counterpart, Gérald Darmanin, this week to discuss increased co-operation to dismantle the gangs.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

Exploiting vulnerable people is at the heart of the business model of these despicable criminal smuggling gangs. Women and children were packed into an unsafe boat which literally collapsed in the water this week. At least 12 people were killed as part of this evil trade. We will not rest until these networks have been dismantled and brought to justice.

The last two months has seen encouraging progress, with significant seizures of boats and equipment in Europe. But there is work to do, and the Border Security Command will bring all the relevant bodies together to investigate, arrest and prosecute these networks, as well as deepen our ties with key international partners.

At the same time, we are swiftly removing those with no right to be in the UK, which will ensure we have a fair, firm and functioning asylum system where the rules are respected and enforced.

NCA Director General Graeme Biggar said:

People smuggling puts lives in mortal danger.

As well as arresting suspects and seeing our investigations lead to convictions and sentences, we’re operating around the world to disrupt the perpetrators. This includes helping seize more than 410 small boats and engines since last spring, preventing thousands of crossings.

Tackling the callous criminals behind organised immigration crime is one of the NCA’s highest priorities. We continue to expand our activity to deliver ever greater impact against the threat.

In recent weeks, the Prime Minister has led a reset in the relationship with Europe, with work to increase security co-operation and tackle illegal migration at the heart. This has already led to a 50 per cent uplift in the number of NCA officers stationed in Europol, working on organised immigration crime.

Last week, the Home Secretary announced an additional 100 specialist investigators to disrupt people smuggling globally. In addition to the Europol presence, the NCA has enhanced its international liaison officer network, responsible for cracking down on criminal networks in specific areas.

A new post is open in Austria and officers are being permanently deployed to Romania. Headcount is also increasing in South East Asia, in key countries where gangs are advertising Channel crossings. These are just the first steps of an intensification of the UK’s international law enforcement and bilateral partnership arrangements and serves as a platform for Border Security Command operations.

The tragedy off the French coast on Tuesday 3 September highlights the increasingly extreme measures the gangs are willing to contemplate, as more people are crammed into less seaworthy vessels. It has been reported that most of those who died were women and children.

Intelligence reveals smugglers have also increased the price they charge for migrants to cross the Channel, including charging for children to get into boats, as the business model comes under pressure from UK and partner law enforcement.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 September 2024.

A British national who attempted to smuggle 5 migrants, including a 5-year-old child, has been sentenced following a Home Office investigation.

Joshua Bynoe (29) has been jailed for 3 years after a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

The court heard how on Monday 24 January 2019, Border Force officers conducted a search of a motorhome, driven by Bynoe, bound for the UK in Coquelles, France.

Upon searching the cabin, officers discovered 5 Afghan nationals, including a 5-year-old child, concealed inside storage benches in cramped claustrophobic conditions.

Bynoe was arrested at the scene and taken into custody by Border Force staff and Kent Police.

The court heard how Bynoe had links to a criminal smuggling gang and had concocted a scheme to smuggle the migrants in the storage compartments from Europe into the UK.

Today (Friday 6 September 2024), at Canterbury Crown Court, Bynoe was sentenced to 3 years in prison for assisting unlawful immigration after being found guilty at an earlier hearing.

This sentencing is the latest development in an extensive investigation launched by Home Office Criminal and Financial investigators into people smuggling routes into the UK.

Home Office Head Of South East Region Criminal & Financial Investigations – Steve Blackwell said:

Today’s sentencing shows that perpetrators of immigration crimes will be dealt with and prosecuted regardless of where they are located.

Bynoe recklessly put the lives of 5 people, including a child, in danger by cramming them into a vehicle for hours. His only concern was making money, working with a smuggling gang with no thought for the vulnerable people they were exploiting. He was stopped in his tracks and will now face justice for his criminal actions.

I’d like to thank my investigation team, particularly the OIC – Stacey Crockford, for their hard work on this case. We will continue pursue people smugglers who try to undermine our border security and put lives at risk for profit.