The Labour Party proposes establishing a ‘returns-and-enforcement unit’ to expedite the removal of failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders, aiming to address inefficiencies in the current immigration system.
The Labour Party has announced intentions to form a “returns-and-enforcement unit” of 1,000 officers dedicated to expediting the removal of failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders if they win the forthcoming general election. This announcement, made by Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, targets the current immigration system’s inefficiencies and aims to improve the process and speed of removals. The proposed unit, part of the Labour Party’s immigration strategy, plans to focus on identifying workplaces that exploit asylum seekers, arresting child traffickers, and negotiating return agreements with foreign countries.
The funding for this new unit is expected to be sourced from the savings generated by clearing the existing asylum backlog and eliminating the need for hotel accommodations for migrants, which currently burdens taxpayers with an £8 million daily cost. The initiative is set against the backdrop of the Government’s beleaguered attempts at deterring illegal migration, including the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme.
However, the Government has criticised Labour’s proposal, with Michael Tomlinson, the illegal migration minister, questioning Labour’s overall strategy on curbing illegal migration and defending the Government’s record in reducing Channel crossings.
In a related development, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces opposition over plans to deport Afghans, who supported UK forces, to Rwanda. This opposition comes after the House of Lords endorsed an amendment to the small boats bill, spurred by in-depth reporting and public concern for the welfare of Afghan allies post-Taliban resurgence. The amendment aims to protect such individuals from being deported to Rwanda, a measure that has already garnered support from Labour, former defence officials, and diplomats.
As the bill returns to the House of Commons for further debate, the spotlight intensifies on the legal and humanitarian implications of the proposed deportation measures. The government remains confident in its stance despite facing potential rebellion from within its ranks concerning the deportation of Afghan allies.
