The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says migrants entering Britain illegally will no longer face prosecution, as it vowed to go after the smugglers instead.
It comes as record numbers of migrants continue to cross the Channel, with 6,000 already this year, double the numbers in 2020, itself a record year.
Prosecutors have been advised not to seek to charge passengers reaching the UK in either small boats or lorries as they often had no choice in how they travelled or were victims of exploitation by traffickers.
However, smugglers, repeat offenders and those who had previously been deported should be targeted for prosecution.
The agreement struck between police, prosecutors, the National Crime Agency, Border Force and the Home Office over cases involving “illegal entry” will also apply to those arriving by lorry.
Fresh guidance published on Thursday also sets out the circumstances when criminal charges may be considered for those bringing migrants to the UK while posing a risk to their lives.
The CPS said the guidance, published on Thursday, confirmed that “individuals who have played a significant role in people-smuggling, including those who organise and pilot dangerous boat crossings across the English Channel, can expect to face prosecution where this is supported by the evidence.
The setting out of the advice not to prosecute in such stark terms could prove embarrassing for the Home Office which this week unveiled its Borders and Nationality Bill increasing the penalty for illegally entering Britain from a maximum six months in jail to four years.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
