The UK Labour government has announced it has removed 16,400 illegal migrants since taking office in July, marking the fastest pace of deportations since 2018.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration scrapped the controversial Rwanda migrant scheme introduced by the previous Conservative government.
Instead, the Labour-led government established a Border Security Command, prioritising dismantling people-smuggling networks and expediting the removal of those living illegally in the UK.
“Our message to those considering illegal routes into Britain is clear: you’re wasting your money trusting these ruthless gangs, and you will be returned promptly,” Starmer stated.
The government has also revealed plans for a new sanctions regime targeting the leaders of smuggling operations that facilitate the illegal entry of tens of thousands into the UK annually.
In 2024 alone, over 36,800 individuals crossed the Channel, a 25% increase from the previous year. Tragically, dozens of lives were lost in these perilous attempts.
Enforced returns have risen by 24% year-on-year since Labour assumed power. Of the deported individuals, 2,580 were foreign criminals, underscoring the government’s focus on public safety alongside migration control.
The Labour government’s approach signals a shift towards robust measures to address illegal migration while dismantling exploitative networks profiting from vulnerable individuals.
