A leading migration expert has dismissed Labour's new measures against people smuggling gangs saying "they just won't work."
Dr Mike Jones told GB News that while upgrading interim measures for people smugglers was "very sensible", the gangs were too adaptable and transnational for the strategy to succeed.
The comments come as the government plans to introduce new restrictions on suspected people smugglers, including phone bans, social media blocks and travel curbs.
Jones said: "I think upgrading these interim measures for people smugglers is very sensible. I'm not against this. I'm surprised it hasn't already happened.
Dr Mike Jones told GB News slammed the plans introduced by Labour
GB News
"Ultimately the gangs are highly decentralised. They're agile, they're adaptable and transnational. Many of the big players aren't here in the UK.
"They're operating in Bulgaria, Germany, Turkey and obviously France itself. I think this will make a difference in a small number of cases. But be under no illusions this is not going to smash the gangs."
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He added: "The situation is only going to get worse. The reason why Starmer has mothballed the Rwanda plan, and why he won't touch the Human Rights Act, is purely for ideological reasons.
"He's a former human rights barrister. And when it comes to trade offs, when it comes to actually tackling this problem or changing the legal system, Keir Starmer won't countenance, he won't go changing the status quo.
"Instead, he's shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic.
"He's using various sorts of legal tool to actually try to tackle the gangs themselves. Obviously that's that's not going to solve the problem."
Keir Starmer has promised to 'smash the gangs' and end the crisisGB NEWSThe measures will form part of a border security bill to be published in the coming weeks.
The crackdown comes as figures show Channel crossings increased by a quarter in 2024, with 36,816 people making the journey.
In December alone, 1,776 people crossed in 38 boats despite ongoing Home Office initiatives to prevent crossings.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Dangerous criminal people-smugglers are profiting from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. They cannot be allowed to get away with it."
In December alone, 1,776 people crossed in 38 boats
PAUnder the new interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs), suspects could face immediate restrictions while full orders are considered by the High Court.
The measures include bans on using laptops and mobile phones, accessing social media networks, and communicating with specific individuals.
Suspects could also face restrictions on accessing their finances and travel limitations, with the High Court determining how long these would last.
Law enforcement agencies will be able to apply directly to the High Court for these orders without going through the Crown Prosecution Service.
