The UK government has reported the removal of nearly 13,500 migrants since the July general election, marking the highest number in a six-month period since 2019. Home Secretary
Yvette Cooper has pledged a “step change” in efforts to combat illegal working and migration.
Labour previously committed to achieving more returns of individuals without legal right to remain in the UK within their first six months in office than any comparable period since 2018. The announcement coincides with a continued surge in Channel crossings, with over 21,000 migrants arriving by small boats since July.
The Home Office confirmed on Sunday that 13,460 people had been removed since the July 4 election, placing the government “on track” to fulfill its target of increasing returns by early January.
However, Conservatives have criticized Labour’s handling of the situation, pointing to a rise in Channel crossings compared to last year. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper of “failing to control our borders.”
Record Channel Crossings Continue
Since July 5, a total of 21,306 people have arrived in the UK via small boats, including 609 on Thursday—the busiest December day on record for such crossings. Provisional figures showed an additional 298 arrivals on Friday.
Overall, 34,880 people have crossed the Channel by small boats in 2024—a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, though 22% lower than in 2022.
Ms. Cooper, during a visit to Rome for talks with her Italian counterpart on people-smuggling, highlighted Labour’s intensified border security measures. She vowed to target illegal working practices, which she described as a key driver behind criminal smuggling operations.
Crackdown on Illegal Working and Smuggling
The government plans to equip over 1,200 immigration enforcement officers with new tools, including body-worn cameras and fingerprint kits, to improve evidence collection during raids. A public information campaign aimed at discouraging migrants from undertaking dangerous Channel crossings has also been launched. The campaign will feature real stories highlighting the exploitative conditions faced by illegal workers in the UK.
“Illegal working undermines our economy and exploits vulnerable people,” said Ms. Cooper. “Since taking office, we have ramped up operations, arrests, and removals, achieving the highest level of returns in five years.”
She added: “Employers hiring illegal workers will face serious consequences. The rules must be enforced to protect legitimate businesses and deter criminal gangs.”
Rise in Returns and Enforcement
Between July 5 and December 7, the UK recorded 13,460 returns, including 3,690 enforced removals of individuals with no legal right to remain. The remaining 9,770 returns were a mix of voluntary departures and foreign national offenders. This represents a 25% increase in enforced returns compared to the same period in 2023.
Home Office data indicates that enforced removals between July and September reached their highest quarterly total since late 2018. During this period, 2,061 removals were recorded—a 29% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2023.
However, critics within the opposition have challenged Labour’s approach. Mr. Philp noted that small boat returns accounted for less than 5% of arrivals in the first three months of Labour’s government. He also pointed to a rise in the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels, which he argued undermines Labour’s commitment to end such practices.
“Labour’s inability to control migration and reduce hotel use is a failure,” he said. “Starmer and Cooper must take responsibility for these shortcomings.” Photo by Steve Cadman, Wikimedia commons.