Sick human traffickers are reportedly using sedatives on children before sending them on perilous journeys across the English Channel, a shocking revelation shared with concerned Members of Parliament.
Lucy Rigby, the Solicitor General, disclosed that criminals resort to sedating children to ensure their compliance during the risky voyage. She highlighted that Crown Prosecution Service attorneys had informed her about smugglers’ tactics of drugging children to make them more cooperative while crossing the Channel.
Responding to Labour MP Alex Ballinger’s constituents’ worries in Halesowen, who demanded swift and decisive actions against human traffickers endangering the lives of vulnerable women and children, Rigby emphasized the government’s commitment to combating these criminal activities.
The Home Office data reveals that no migrants have arrived via small boats on UK shores for over a week, with the latest recorded crossings dating back to August 26. Since January, over 29,000 individuals have undertaken the dangerous journey, leading to nearly 80 fatalities last year. The government is set to implement a new ‘one in one out’ returns agreement with France to deport individuals who crossed the Channel unlawfully.
Under this pilot initiative, individuals crossing the Channel will be detained and returned in exchange for approved applicants. Rigby stressed that individuals involved in human smuggling will face severe legal consequences. She contrasted the government’s approach with opposition parties, criticizing their handling of border issues and lack of effective solutions.
In response, Tory shadow Solicitor General Helen Grant expressed disagreement with Rigby’s assessment of the previous government’s performance in this domain. Grant highlighted concerns over the current government’s track record in addressing border challenges over the past year.
