UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to take tougher measures against illegal foreign workers as his government intensifies its immigration crackdown.
Since assuming office in July 2024, Starmer has implemented a series of immigration reforms, with analysts describing his approach as “firm but fair” compared to his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. However, growing pressure from the Conservatives and the rising influence of Reform UK—both advocating stricter immigration controls—has prompted Starmer to take a harder stance to maintain public support.
“Too many people are able to come to the UK and work illegally. We are putting an end to it,” Starmer tweeted on Monday.
His statement coincided with a Home Office announcement detailing a new wave of immigration raids targeting illegal workers. Officials reported a record surge in deportations, with illegal working visits and arrests increasing by approximately 38% since Labour took power.
In a controversial move, the government is reportedly planning to broadcast footage of deportations as part of its strategy to demonstrate its commitment to tackling illegal immigration.
Starmer’s tougher stance follows his criticism of the previous Conservative administration’s handling of migration. In November 2024, he stated: “They drove up immigration numbers; we will get them down.”
His latest crackdown comes just days after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch proposed her own set of tough immigration measures, further fueling the political debate over border control.
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