The government is taking a firm stance on foreign criminals, with the announcement of new laws to enable immediate deportation of all non-terrorist offenders. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposed changes aim to save taxpayers money and expel up to 3000 overseas convicts from the UK, each costing an average of £54,000 per year in prison expenses.
Under the proposed legislation, foreign nationals serving fixed-term sentences will face deportation upon conviction, with authorities having the option to retain them in custody if necessary. This move aligns with recent efforts to address criminal activities, including the UK-France agreement to combat Channel small boat crossings.
Minister for Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, emphasized the prioritization of victims’ interests, stating that offenders should not benefit from free accommodation in British prisons at the expense of those they harmed. The government’s initiative aims to enhance public safety by ensuring foreign criminals are swiftly deported post-sentencing and barred from re-entering the country.
The policy adjustment will exclude terrorists and life-sentenced individuals, with provisions for discretion in cases concerning national security threats or victim safety concerns. Notably, over 5,200 foreign national offenders have been deported since July 2024, marking a 14% rise compared to the previous year.
The forthcoming law change, expected to reduce the deportation threshold from 50% to 30% of the prison term, underscores the government’s commitment to early and efficient removal of foreign criminals. While some MPs have expressed discomfort over the government’s approach, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusive dialogue, the move signifies a proactive step towards strengthening national security and law enforcement practices.
The government’s ability to deport foreign nationals without requiring bilateral agreements underscores its commitment to upholding international obligations. By streamlining deportation procedures and investing in specialized personnel for removal operations in correctional facilities, the authorities aim to enhance the efficiency of deportation processes and reduce the prison population’s foreign offender ratio.