PEOPLE smuggling suspects in the UK face strict travel and phone curbs before being charged in the latest push to stop illegal migrants.

New laws will let courts impose the restrictions while evidence is gathered to prosecute.

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders after Labour’s election pledge to “smash the gangs”.

Chanel crossings in 2024 were up by a quarter on the previous year, tallying a staggering 36,816 over 12 months.

Since taking office in July, Labour has overseen a 29 per cent increase in small boat arrivals, which the Tories have blamed on axing the Rwanda plan.

Ministers hope the interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders unveiled today will disrupt organised criminal networks before a suspect is arrested, charged or convicted.

They include bans on travel, using social media, laptops and phones, and place restrictions on who suspected smugglers can meet.

The Home Office said that securing Serious Crime Prevention Orders is currently an arduous and lengthy legal process.

The new interim orders will let police or National Crime Agency cops appeal to judges for one to be granted quickly.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Dangerous criminal people-smugglers are profiting from undermining our border security and putting lives at risk.

“They cannot be allowed to get away with it. Stronger international collaboration has already led to important arrests and action against dangerous gangs over the last few months.

“We will give law enforcement stronger powers they need to pursue and stop more of these vile gang networks.”