By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-01-02 16:29:31 | Updated at 2025-01-05 00:30:01
2 days ago
GB News host Martin Daubney has dismissed Labour's latest measures to tackle people smuggling gangs as "performative nonsense," ridiculing plans to impose internet and phone bans on suspects.
Speaking on GB News, Martin expressed his scepticism about the effectiveness of the proposed restrictions.
"I'm going to roll my eyes. Everybody will be saying, 'oh yeah, I know how he stops the most evil criminals on the earth, we block their Facebook profiles, we take their phones off them'. That will hardly have them quaking in their boots," he said.
The presenter warned that criminals would easily circumvent such restrictions.
Martin Daubney hit out at Labour's latest plans to tackle people smuggling gangs
PA / GB News
"They'll get a new mobile phone, they'll get around this, it's performative nonsense. How will this stop the most vile trade on the planet?" Daubney added.
The new measures, outlined in Keir Starmer's Border Security Bill, will allow authorities to impose severe restrictions on suspected people smugglers even before arrest.
The Home Office announced that suspects could face social media blackouts, travel bans, and limits on mobile phone access.
Additional restrictions may include bans on communications with specific individuals, curfews and controls on access to finances. Those who breach these orders could face up to five years in prison.
"This is an attempt here by the Government to get to grips with smashing the gangs," Hope said.
He outlined how the new legislation would empower law enforcement agencies to seek High Court restrictions on smuggling gangs before arrests.
"Travel bans, asset freezes, phone usage restrictions, social media blackout. Get off Facebook, if you're involved in trying to traffic individuals from France," he explained.
Hope noted that similar restrictions could apply to other suspects, including "drug traffickers, alleged terrorists, money launderers, firearms offences," though he remained cautious about its effectiveness, adding "we'll see if it works."
Martin told GB News that the measures are 'performative nonsense'
GB News
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said that "dangerous, criminal people-smugglers" are profiting from "undermining our border security and putting lives at risk".
She added: "They cannot be allowed to get away with it."
Under the new system, interim orders will allow the National Crime Agency, police and security agencies to apply directly to the High Court for immediate restrictions while investigations continue.
The High Court will determine the duration of interim orders, which will only be granted if a judge deems them necessary to protect the public from serious crime.
