HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement on the Government’s new plan to tackle illegal migration.
The Prime Minister confirmed that a change to the law will take effect in early 2023 that means anybody who enters the UK illegally will not be able to remain. Instead, those who come into the country without appropriate authorisation will be detained and removed quickly.
The Government’s new plan consists of 5 steps to take back control of our borders once and for all.
- A new agreement with Albania will see weekly flights taking off until all Albanians in our immigration backlog are sent home.
- Cheaper accommodation sites will mean migrants can be moved out of expensive hotels and processed more quickly elsewhere.
- 200 new staff will join a task force to improve immigration enforcement.
- 700 new staff will join a permanent small boat operation in the English Channel, preventing illegal and dangerous crossings.
- More caseworkers and a streamlined system to clear the immigration backlog.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr Halfon said, “Whilst we as a country must continue to be compassionate, taking back control of our borders is not the same as being uncompassionate.
“We must always be welcoming and kind, but we must have fair immigration that is fair to the UK taxpayer.
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that new legislation will soon come into effect, forcing those who arrive in the UK illegally from an already safe country to return to their home country or another safe location. I also welcome the Prime Minister’s 5-step plan that includes a groundbreaking deal with Albania, clearing our immigration backlogs and running weekly flights until every Albanian with no legal right to be here is sent home.
“Harlow is a welcoming and inclusive town and encourages people from all backgrounds to call the town home; however, I know that constituents are also concerned about the impact of illegal migration on our hospitals, schools and other public infrastructure. Today, the Government has taken action to tackle this problem.”
