Boost for Shabana Mahmood as Home Office deports 19 illegal migrants | Politics | News
The Home Office has announced the successful return of 19 illegal immigrants from the UK to France last week, thanks to Keir Starmer’s new deal with Emmanuel Macron. While seven migrants were previously sent back individually on commercial flights, this week’s 19 were group flights, the largest number on a single flight to date.
This brings the total number of illegal immigrants sent from the UK to France to 26, while there are 35,000 traveling in the other direction on small boats. Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood said the deportations would send a “clear message” to people smugglers and those considering making the dangerous journey. He said: “We must put an end to these dangerous crossings that endanger lives and put money into the pockets of criminal gangs.
“The difference could not be clearer. The last government’s Rwanda plan took years, cost hundreds of millions of pounds, and failed to remove a single person by force. In a few weeks, thanks to our historic agreement with France, we brought back 26 people.
“While flights to France continue and accelerate, we are sending a clear message: If you arrive here illegally you will be detained and deported, so think twice before embarking on this journey.”
The Home Office also claimed that the National Crime Agency’s enforcement activity against gangs had increased by 40% compared to last year.
But the Conservatives warned Sir Keir’s deal with Mr Macron would only return a “pathetic” figure and would not be a deterrent.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp warned: “More than 10,000 people have passed since this deal was announced.
“Immigrants in France openly say they don’t care and will pass anyway.
“They should ignore the Human Rights Act on immigration matters and immediately send every illegal immigrant back to their home country or somewhere like Rwanda upon arrival.
“This government is weak and dishonest. They have lost control of our borders.”
The Home Office added that the government continues to work with France to operate a tightly controlled legal route for an equal number of eligible immigrants to be sent to the UK in exchange for deportation.
Nine migrants reached the UK this week via this new legal route.
