UK is takes strict measures against immigration and illegal activities

The British government highlighted its success in conducting raids on businesses employing unauthorized workers and deporting thousands of migrants without legal status in the UK, reports AP.

Described as a “blitz on illegal working,” the initiative is part of the centre-left Labour government’s commitment to reducing immigration—a key concern for many voters—and countering the rising popularity of the hard-right party, Reform UK.

However, for migrant advocacy groups and some Labour Party members, the images evoke uncomfortable memories of a previous Conservative government’s pledge to create a “hostile environment” for illegal migration. This policy resulted in thousands of long-term legal residents being denied housing, employment, or medical care due to difficulties in proving their status. Many were detained or deported to countries they had not visited in decades.

The government reported on Monday that immigration enforcement teams have conducted over 5,000 raids since Labour took office in July, targeting businesses such as nail salons, convenience stores, vape shops, restaurants, and car washes. Nearly 4,000 arrests have been made—figures that are notably higher than those recorded under the previous Conservative administration.

Additionally, Britain has deported over 16,000 people within the same timeframe. Later on Monday, the government plans to release video footage of migrants being deported, a public relations move that has drawn criticism for being crude and insensitive.

Home Office Minister Angela Eagle defended the government’s firm stance, stating:

“We must have a system where rules are respected and enforced,” she told the BBC. “It is important to demonstrate what we are doing and to send a clear message to those who may have been misled about what awaits them in the UK if they attempt to enter illegally.”

New tough immigration bill set to pass on Monday

The government argues that the perception of easy access to employment in Britain acts as a “dangerous pull factor” for migrants attempting to cross the English Channel in small boats. Both UK and French authorities have struggled for years to prevent these perilous crossings, which brought over 38,000 people to Britain in 2024. More than 70 individuals lost their lives attempting the journey.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has equated the criminal networks facilitating these crossings with terrorist organisations, asserting they pose a global security threat. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which faces a crucial parliamentary vote on Monday, introduces new powers, including the ability to confiscate suspected traffickers' phones before their arrest.

The bill will also formally repeal the Safety of Rwanda Act, which supported the previous Conservative government’s contentious plan to send some asylum seekers arriving by boat to Rwanda. Starmer dismissed the scheme as an expensive gimmick and scrapped it shortly after taking office.

Given Labour’s large parliamentary majority, the new immigration bill is almost certain to pass. However, some remain uneasy. Human rights group Liberty has warned that the bill establishes a “dangerous precedent” by incorporating counterterrorism-style powers for offences unrelated to terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives have criticised the bill as “weak” and unlikely to deter boat crossings.

Support for anti-immigrant Reform UK surges

Although Labour secured a landslide victory just seven months ago, the government’s approval ratings have declined. Polls indicate growing support for Reform UK, the populist anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage. Despite holding only five seats in the 650-member House of Commons, Reform UK is now polling on par with both Labour and the main opposition Conservatives, even though the next general election is likely four years away.

Reform UK’s rise has prompted both Labour and the Conservatives to adopt tougher rhetoric on immigration.

However, Rob Ford, a political science professor at the University of Manchester, cautioned that trying to win back Reform UK voters with strong rhetoric on Farage’s key issues is a risky strategy with limited chances of success.