Illegal working arrests more than double under Labour

Arrests double under Labour

According to the Home Office, the total is more than double the number recorded in the previous two-year period. Of those arrested, 2,357 people have been deported, a 50 per cent increase compared with the number returned between July 2022 and June 2024. The figures land as the government seeks to project toughness on enforcement while defending its recent polling lead against a resurgent Reform UK.

The border security and asylum minister, Anna Turley, described the numbers as “the highest levels in British history” during the morning media round, the Guardian reported.

“We’re sending a message that if you think you can come to this country and work illegally and disappear off the books, then our immigration enforcement service will find you and will arrest you.” — Anna Turley, speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme

The announcement comes amid a fraught week on immigration, with the Conservatives pledging to end social housing eligibility for foreign nationals and continued protests over asylum accommodation. Ministers will hope the enforcement numbers steady the argument as the political temperature rises.