Legal challenge seeks to end UK’s jailing of asylum seekers who steer boats

Appeal Court to hear cases of individuals imprisoned on smuggling charges

The UK government is facing a major legal challenge against its policy of prosecuting asylum seekers who steer boats across the Channel under smuggling laws.

Since the start of 2020, Immigration Enforcement has brought 67 successful prosecutions related to piloting small boats. But after court challenges earlier in the year, the Crown Prosecution Service issued new guidance advising that passengers - even those who take a turn steering - are potentially vulnerable asylum seekers who should not be prosecuted.