The ‘blitz on illegal working’ comes as Keir Starmer’s government faces mounting pressure from the increasingly popular Reform UK party.
The British government has defended its decision to publish footage of immigration raids, as it seeks to stem the rising popularity of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.
The Home Office is set to release videos of deportations later on Monday, a move critics have denounced as insensitive.
It comes as national polls show that Reform UK, a far-right party that is vehemently against immigration, is gaining on the incumbent Labour government.
Amid such political pressure, Labour has boasted that it has carried out a “blitz on illegal working”. As part of the clampdown, the authorities have raided 5,000 raids businesses and made almost 4,000 arrests since Keir Starmer’s party took office in July.
The government has also deported more than 16,000 individuals in the same period, surpassing figures recorded under the previous Conservative administration.
Speaking on Monday morning, Home Office Minister Angela Eagle justified the government’s actions.
“We have to have a system where the rules are respected and enforced,” she told the BBC.
“It’s important that we show what we are doing and it’s important that we send messages to people who may have been sold lies about what will await them in the UK if they get themselves smuggled in,” she added.
The government argues that the perception of easy employment opportunities in Britain acts as a “dangerous draw” for migrants attempting the risky Channel crossings.
Around 38,000 people reached the UK in small boats last year. More than 70 people died while attempting the crossing.
Labour’s decision to publish material from immigration raids has been criticised by migrant advocacy groups and some of the party’s own politicians, who have compared it to the previous Conservative government’s “hostile environment” policy.
Some political analysts are sceptical about the decision, saying the desire to be seen as tough on immigration will inadvertently play into Reform UK’s hands.
New immigration bill set to pass
On Monday, Parliament will vote on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which introduces tougher measures, including the power to seize suspected traffickers’ phones before arrest.
The bill also formally repeals the Safety of Rwanda Act, the previous Conservative government’s controversial plan to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda. Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the policy, dismissing it as an “expensive gimmick.”
Human rights group Liberty warned that it sets a “dangerous precedent” by introducing counterterrorism-style powers for non-terrorism offences.
ADVERTISEMENTMeanwhile, the opposition Conservatives have branded it “a weak bill that won’t stop the boats.”
Labour’s resounding election victory seven months ago has given way to falling approval ratings.
Despite holding only five seats in the 650-member House of Commons, recent polls have shown that Reform UK have made rapid electoral gains. In the latest Opinium survey, they led the Conservatives and narrowly trailed Labour.
Over the weekend, the party said it now has 200,000 members.
ADVERTISEMENTThe rise of Reform has prompted both major parties to adopt tougher stances on immigration. However, political analysts remain sceptical of this approach.
“Wooing back Reform voters with red meat on Farage’s favourite issues is a strategy with low prospects of success and high risks,” said Professor Rob Ford of the University of Manchester.
“Labour won last summer with a ruthless focus on issues that united a broad coalition — growth, public services, and the cost of living. Focusing instead on issues that divide Labour and play to Farage’s strengths is not a great strategy,” he added.
