A ringleader in people-smuggling, responsible for bringing thousands into the UK in small boats, has been jailed for 11 years. The trial is seen as significant in addressing international networks of people smugglers. The number of migrants crossing the English Channel has been steadily increasing, leading to tragic incidents and the declaration of 'small boats week' by the British government. The investigation into a deadly shipwreck in the Channel has been taken over by Paris, while efforts to reduce asylum seekers crossing the Channel continue.

People-Smuggling and Channel Migrants