UK to deport foreign criminals to free up jail space in latest immigration crackdown
Foreign criminals to be deported immediately under new plans
- Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans for a new law to immediately deport foreign criminals upon receiving a custodial sentence.
- This measure aims to free up prison space and save taxpayers an estimated £54,000 per year per prison place, applying to those serving fixed-term sentences.
- Authorities would retain the power to keep offenders in custody if they pose a threat to UK interests or national security.
- The government reports a 14 per cent increase in deportations, with almost 5,200 foreign national offenders removed since July 2024.
- The proposal is part of a broader immigration crackdown, coming as the UK prison population nears record highs and Channel crossings remain elevated.