People smugglers could receive life sentences under new UK plans

Measures to stop people in small dinghies from crossing the English Channel have failed to reduce numbers

Thousands of migrants crossed the English Channel from northern France in 2020 and Britain is working to reduce the number. AFP

People smugglers reportedly face life sentences under plans drawn up by the UK government to tackle the number of small boats crossing from France.

Home Secretary Priti Patel is expected to announce an increase in the maximum jail term from 14 years, The Times reported. Officials said further details would emerge in the coming weeks.

The planned move follows concerns that the average jail term for smugglers convicted of assisting illegal immigration is just three years. Officials want to target lower-level criminals, including those steering the boats, according to the newspaper.

“Whilst criminal gangs continue to put lives at risk it is right we consider every option to stop their exploitation of people,” said a Home Office spokesman.

UK law enforcement said the trade is lucrative for the gangs who can pack boats and charge between €3,500 ($4,224)  and €5,000 per person for a crossing of little more than 20 miles.

The UK has struck a series of deals with France to try to stop people attempting the journey across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, but more than 8,000 people crossed into Britain from mainland Europe in 2020 in overloaded dinghies, the highest number on record.

Another 87 people crossed on Saturday, during the warmer weather, amid few indications of the numbers falling this year.

French authorities stopped two further crossings involving another 51 people.

Migrants and smugglers have turned to the sea route because of increased security at Channel ports in northern France, fears of stricter border controls after Brexit, and the reduced level of traffic crossing between the two countries during the coronavirus pandemic.