The Reform UK leader blasted the government’s efforts to clampdown on illegal migration. (Image: Getty/Home Office/PA Wire)
leader has slammed attempts to clamp down on illegal migrants as “feeble”.
Yesterday, released rare footage of migrants being removed from the UK to their country of origin as the Government attempts to project a strong stance on migration.
Official figures show that 5,074 enforced returns were conducted since election victory, an increase of nearly 25% for the same period the year before.
But the figures were blasted by as “feeble” when compared to the number of illegal migrants thought to live in London alone.
He told MailOnline: “With an estimated 600,000 illegals in London alone, these numbers are feeble.”
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The Home Office has defended its decision to release the footage of illegal migrants being removed. (Image: Home Office/PA Wire)
Unofficial research conducted by to help assess demand for its services estimated that 585,000 illegal migrants, or 1 in 13 people in the capital, reside in London.
Unofficial research by think tanks and universities assesses that as many as 1.2 million illegal migrants could currently be in the UK, although there is no way of knowing for sure.
Many returned do so voluntarily, with some given as much as £3,000 to help them resettle abroad.
The figures show that 18,987 voluntary and enforced removals were conducted between July 5 and January 31, with 2,925 foreign national offenders being sent back to their home countries.
also revealed one in 10 cases require the use of force to make those being removed from board aircraft.
The decision to release footage of removals has caused division within . Some criticise the decision, and others praise the attempt to send a strong message to counter the threat of .
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Video available: The Government has released footage of migrants being escorted on to planes and deported as Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warned it should be ‘governments and not gangs’ deciding who gets to enter the country.
18,987 voluntary and enforced removals were conducted between July 5 and January 31. (Image: Home Office/PA Wire)
Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle defended the decision to publish the footage, claiming that it is important to “send messages to people”.
She told Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s important that we show what we are doing, and it’s important that we send messages to people who may have been sold lies about what will await them in the UK if they get themselves smuggled in.
“They are more likely to be living in squalid conditions, being exploited by vicious gangs.”
Home Secretary said: “To rebuild public confidence in the immigration system, we need to show the rules are respected and enforced.
“That’s why, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, we have put significant additional resources into immigration enforcement and returns, so those who have no right to be here, particularly those who have committed crimes in our country, are removed as swiftly as possible.
“I want to pay tribute to all the Immigration Enforcement staff and other officials in the Home Office who strive tirelessly every day to make our returns system work firmly, fairly and swiftly.”