World Immigration News

UK government defends immigration crackdown amid far-right surge

Release Date: 2025-02-10
Media: euronews
Summary: The UK government has announced plans to release footage of immigration raids as part of its crackdown on illegal working, aiming to counter the growing support for the far-right Reform UK party. Since taking office in July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration has conducted 5,000 business raids, arrested nearly 4,000 individuals, and deported over 16,000 people.

Home Office Minister Angela Eagle defended the move, arguing it is necessary to deter illegal immigration and highlight the risks of human smuggling. However, migrant advocacy groups and some Labour politicians criticized the approach, comparing it to the Conservative government's "hostile environment" policy.

On the same day, Parliament is set to vote on a new immigration bill, which includes tougher measures such as allowing authorities to seize suspected traffickers’ phones. The bill also formally repeals the Conservative government’s Rwanda deportation policy. While human rights groups warn of potential civil rights violations, the opposition Conservatives argue the bill is too weak to stop illegal immigration.

The rise of Reform UK has pushed both major parties to adopt stricter immigration policies, but political analysts warn this could backfire. Experts suggest Labour should focus on economic growth and cost-of-living issues instead of shifting toward Reform UK's anti-immigration agenda.
Tags: UK

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