Context
Residents of Lichfield, Burntwood and surrounding villages are concerned about the previous government's handling of people smuggling in the Channel. Recent police efforts have arrested dozens of smugglers but more action is needed.
Question
People across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages want the Government to get a grip on people-smuggling in the channel after the previous Government’s dereliction of duty. Too many lives are at risk; too many people are making that dangerous crossing. Although it is great news that police are working hard, and have arrested dozens of people smugglers and seized almost half a million pounds of criminal cash, it is clear that we need to go further and faster. What steps is the Solicitor General taking to ensure that people smugglers face the hefty jail terms that they deserve?
Answer from The Solicitor General
My hon. Friend is absolutely right: it is vital that police and prosecutors work together to bring people smugglers to justice, and that our criminal justice system sends a clear message that people smuggling will be met with hefty jail terms. I am pleased to tell him that an offender who played a leading role in an organised crime group that smuggled nearly 4,000 migrants was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment in May.
Not addressed: The answer mentions one specific case but does not provide concrete steps or commitments for future action on the issue of ensuring people smugglers face hefty jail terms.
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