Legal News Round-Up – April 2025

Here’s some criminal law articles from around the web from April 2025.

April 2025 saw significant developments in UK criminal law, enforcement, and public safety. From gang crackdowns to legislative reforms, here are five key stories that shaped the legal landscape last month.

1. Greater Manchester Drug Gangs Target Children with E-Bike ‘Debt Bondage’

In Oldham, Greater Manchester, authorities have intensified efforts against drug gangs employing alarming tactics.

These gangs, reminiscent of the TV series “Breaking Bad,” have been coercing children as young as 13 into drug dealing.

The method involves providing high-value e-bikes to youths, which are later used as leverage in a “debt bondage” scheme, forcing them into criminal activities.

The area has witnessed a surge in anti-social behaviour, including arson, shootings, and attacks on elderly residents.

In response, Greater Manchester Police launched Operation Vulcan, leading to the arrest of 35 individuals and the seizure of drugs, cash, and vehicles.

Despite these efforts, the community remains concerned about the persistent threat of these gangs.

2. UK Government Moves to Deny Asylum to Convicted Sex Offenders

The UK Home Office announced a policy change aimed at tightening asylum eligibility. Under the new amendment to the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, foreign nationals convicted of sexual offences, including those committed abroad, will be barred from claiming asylum.

This measure categorises anyone on the sex offenders register as having committed a “particularly serious crime,” regardless of sentence length.

The policy also introduces a 24-week target for immigration appeal decisions and plans to utilise AI to expedite asylum claim processing.

However, human rights groups have raised concerns about the potential for unjust outcomes and the adequacy of individual assessments.

3. ‘Martyn’s Law’ Enacted to Enhance Venue Security Against Terrorism

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as ‘Martyn’s Law,’ received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.

Named in memory of Stockport’s Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the legislation mandates that venues hosting events with over 200 participants develop and implement security plans to respond to potential terrorist attacks.

The law aims to ensure better preparedness and protection for the public at large-scale events across the UK.

4. Cyclists Causing Deaths Face Life Sentences Under New Law

In a significant legal reform, the UK government has amended the Crime and Policing Bill to impose life imprisonment for cyclists who cause deaths through dangerous cycling.

Previously, such offences carried a maximum of two years in prison under outdated laws from the 1860s. The change aims to align cycling-related deaths with existing motor vehicle laws.

While campaigners have welcomed the amendment as a long-overdue victory for victims’ families, some cycling advocates express concerns that harsher penalties may discourage cycling, potentially conflicting with environmental goals.

5. UK Offshore Territories Miss Deadline for Corporate Transparency Plans

Several UK offshore territories, including the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Anguilla, and Turks & Caicos, failed to meet the April 2025 deadline to submit plans for increasing corporate transparency.

These jurisdictions had pledged to provide ownership data of companies to those with a “legitimate interest” as part of efforts to combat financial crime.

The delay has drawn criticism from UK MPs, particularly towards the British Virgin Islands, which introduced a cartoon mascot to promote anti-money laundering awareness instead of implementing legislative reforms.

UK officials emphasise ongoing progress and communication with the territories to meet the agreed requirements.

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