The MP for Birmingham Ladywood has won admirers for being an effective justice secretary and persuasive communicator while forcing through potentially explosive policies such as prisoners' early release schemes and a new sentencing regime. But her ability to tackle her new responsibilities which include immigration, national security and policing will be seen as key to curbing the growing electoral threat of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party.
The International Organization for Migration estimates that at least 30,000 people have died while trying to reach Italy from North Africa since the group began keeping track in 2014. Migrants often undergo inhumane treatment at the hands of people smugglers in Libya, who demand exorbitant sums and promise an easy crossing to Europe. These migrants typically come from other parts of Africa, where they faced difficult conditions such as conflict or violence.
The United Kingdom has sanctioned 25 targets involved in alleged people smuggling, under a new financial sanctions regime targeting those facilitating the travel of refugees and migrants across the English Channel via small boats.
