Figures released by the UK Government show about 19,000 illegal migrants have been removed from the country since the Labour Party took power. Since the General Election landslide in July, the number of deportation flights has significantly increased. Labour has pledged to increase transparency around deportations, including releasing video footage. The Home Office published the data “to offer a clearer understanding of the process,” alongside footage and images illustrating the system in action. The figures show that 18,987 people have been returned to countries across Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa since July 2024, including foreign criminals and those ineligible for asylum.
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A total of 5,074 people were forcibly returned after being found without legal rights to remain in the UK. The Home Office reports a 24 per cent rise in returns between July 5, 2024, and January 31, 2025, compared with 4,089 forced returns in the previous 12 months. The department attributes this surge to the “major escalation in immigration enforcement,” including redeploying 1,000 staff to focus on immigration enforcement since taking office. The number of illegal working raids has also risen by 38 per cent, targeting businesses such as London nail bars and car washes.
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The figures represent the highest return rate in the UK since 2018 and include the four largest charter flight returns in the country’s history, with over 850 people on board. “To rebuild public confidence in the immigration system, we must ensure the rules are enforced,” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said. “That’s why, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, we’ve allocated significant additional resources to immigration enforcement and returns, removing those who have no right to be here, especially those who have committed crimes.”.
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