UK Imposes Immediate Deportation on 10,400 Foreign Criminals

The UK government has announced new legislation under its Plan for Change to enable the immediate deportation of most foreign national offenders from prison, reducing the minimum time served before deportation from 50% to as little as immediately after sentencing for many. This move aims to relieve pressure on overcrowded prisons, save taxpayer money, and enhance public safety by barring deported offenders from re-entering the UK. Exceptions remain for terrorists, murderers, and others serving life sentences, who must serve their full terms before deportation is considered. Since July 2024, deportations of foreign criminals have increased by 14%, with additional funding allocated to specialist staff to expedite removals. Critics, including former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis, have dismissed the policy as political theater unlikely to meet its goals, while the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood defends it as a radical but necessary reform to deter foreign criminals and address the country's broken criminal justice system. Around 12% of the UK prison population comprises foreign nationals, and this policy is expected to impact many, particularly those serving fixed-term sentences, with hopes to improve border security and public confidence.