Starmer’s sanctions plan for people smugglers ‘far-fetched’, say experts

Published on July 22, 2025
Starmer’s sanctions plan for people smugglers ‘far-fetched’, say experts

Measures to be announced on Wednesday but researchers say there is a ‘lack of high-quality evidence’ such schemes work

Keir Starmer’s plan to use sanctions to help “smash the gangs” profiting from people-smuggling in the Channel seems “far-fetched” and any success may be difficult to evaluate, security and immigration experts have said.

David Lammy, the foreign secretary, announced plans on Tuesday to target corrupt police officers, fake passport dealers and firms supplying small boats for people-smuggling.

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Immigration and asylumKeir StarmerLabourPoliticsRefugeesDavid LammyUK news