UK Government Deports Record Number of Migrants

Since taking office in July, the UK Labour government has deported 16,400 illegal migrants and foreign criminals, marking the highest total in six months since 2018. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have emphasized the increased focus on removing individuals without legal right to stay in the UK, which includes a 24% rise in enforced returns compared to the previous year. The government has halted the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme, opting instead for a Border Security Command to address illegal migration and dismantle people smuggling operations. However, human rights advocates have criticized the government's language and approach, warning of potential abuses and the risk of separating families. The opposition has countered, claiming that the Labour government is only addressing a fraction of recent arrivals and allowing many to remain in the UK. The Home Office's data reflects a significant uptick in deportations, including a 23% increase in the removal of foreign criminals, with notable charter flights contributing to these efforts.