LONDON: The UK government introduced legislation on Thursday designed to give law enforcement officials “counter-terror style powers” to break up gangs bringing irregular migrants across the Channel in flimsy boats.

The dangerous crossings are a major and emotional political issue in Britain, with illegal migration contributing towards a rise in support for the hard-right Reform UK party.

Labour´s new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill would allow law enforcement agencies to impose interim orders on suspected people smugglers before they are criminally charged.

It could see them banned from using laptops or mobile phones, accessing social media networks, associating with certain people or accessing their finances under the orders.

“This bill will equip our law enforcement agencies with the powers they need to stop these vile criminals, disrupting their supply chains and bringing more of those who profit from human misery to justice,” said interior minister Yvette Cooper.

The legislation will make it illegal to handle items suspected for use in an illegal crossing, such as small boat parts, Cooper´s Home Office added, with the crime carrying a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

The bill would also let immigration officers and police seize mobile phones and laptops before arrests are made, including from migrants who have just arrived at the border.