Labour's Immigration Crackdown Spurs Record Deportations

The UK government, under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is intensifying efforts to tackle illegal immigration by showcasing deportations and raids on illegal workers through video releases. This crackdown has led to a significant increase in deportations, with nearly 19,000 people removed since Labour took office, marking a record high since 2017. These actions have drawn criticism for their perceived harshness and for mimicking tactics previously criticized when used by the Conservative government. Human rights groups and some MPs have condemned the videos as 'performative' and potentially divisive, while the Labour government faces pressure from the surging Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage. Meanwhile, the Labour government has abandoned the previous Conservative administration's Rwanda plan, redirecting resources towards more traditional enforcement measures. The increased enforcement activities have resulted in a substantial rise in arrests and deportations, demonstrating Labour's attempt to present a tough stance on immigration.