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PRESS RELEASE : Construction begins on £1million new fish pass at chalk stream [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 11 February 2025.

The Environment Agency has started construction of a £1million new fish pass at Turf Lock on the River Lark at Mildenhall in Suffolk.

The River Lark is a chalk stream and one of just over 200 in the world.

The aim of the work is to enable the free flow of native wild brown trout, eels and coarse fish. This will allow them to access habitat in the River Lark upstream of Mildenhall for spawning and foraging.

The project is part of the Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The partnership is hosted by Suffolk County Council and includes local councils, the Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, and many more.

Work will be carried out to remove two weirs that are currently impeding the fish and eels’ progress at Turf Lock. Once this work is done a new fish passage known as a rip rap rock ramp will be created using natural limestone boulders. A rip rap rock ramp provides shelter to the fish as they go between them. This work will take around three months to complete.

Chalk streams are a ‘valuable natural resource’

Lou Mayer, Environment Programme Manager for the Environment Agency said:

It’s fantastic to see work beginning on this important nature recovery project, as part of the catchment-based approach.

Chalk streams are an incredibly valuable natural resource which the Environment Agency are working hard to restore and protect through working in partnership.

Turf Lock is one of three structures in Mildenhall that will need modification for fish passage. Through consultation with Mildenhall Town Council, West Suffolk Council, landowners and local residents we are hopeful that we can continue to work in partnership to improve the biodiversity of the land around the river as well.

Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

Suffolk County Council is proud to support excellent partnership projects such as this, that deliver meaningful, and lasting outcomes to protect and enhance Suffolk’s biodiversity through the restoration of our valuable chalk steam habitats.

Ian Shipp, West Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said:

We welcome this work which will benefit the river and support biodiversity in line with our own strategic priority for environmental resilience and thank all of those involved for their hard work in delivering such a complex scheme.

Whilst this work is carried out the footpath from the path adjacent to the works will be closed, on the North side of the River Lark, from the bridge at Mill Street, to the access track adjacent to the cricket field. An alternative route will be signposted.

Background
- The Environment Agency is funding this project from the Water Environment Improvement Fund, which has been used to unlock £3million of Lottery Heritage Fund for the Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers Landscape Partnership scheme, delivering heritage conservation projects on the Breck’s fenland fringe, key freshwater habitats and primary river corridors.
- The Catchment based approach is about working together, through engaging people, groups and organisations from across society to help improve our precious water environments. The Environment Agency is a partner organisation of the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
- The River Lark’s Catchment Partnership objective is to make improvements to habitat and ecological status of the river. The River Lark Catchment Partnership
- The River Lark has been identified as a flagship river for The Chalk Stream Restoration Project nominated as a Flagship catchment by Anglian Water and supported by the River Lark Catchment Partnership.
- One of the ways to do that is by removing restrictions to migratory fish species and unlocking river habitat improvements further upstream as part of a holistic approach to nature recovery.
About The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme
- The Brecks Fen Edge & Rivers Landscape Partnership Scheme is a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) funded Landscape Partnership Scheme for the Brecks.
- BFER is hosted by Suffolk County Council and has delivered a series of new and exciting community-based landscape and heritage conservation projects, focused on the Brecks’ fen edge and river corridors over a 5 year period (2020-2024). The partnership is made up of regional, national and local organisations with an interest in the area, community groups and members of the community.
- The Scheme outputs have concentrated on the key Fen Edge and Freshwater habitat areas within the Brecks, with the aim of delivering real understanding of water-based heritage and conservation issues, and positive conservation changes on the ground. This area encompasses a unique landscape in Britain with an incredible and much overlooked heritage and biodiversity.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Brecks Fen Edge and Rivers (BFER) Landscape Partnership scheme has been awarded £1.97 million by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Using money raised by the National Lottery players, the NHLF inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. National Lottery Heritage Fund.
February 22, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Jobs on wheels – Mobile Jobcentre vans deliver work support directly to local communities in drive to boost employment [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 11 February 2025.

New scheme comes as part of the government’s drive to help people back into work and kickstart economic growth under its Plan for Change.
- New ‘Jobcentre on wheels’ service launched to drive up employment across Great Britain.
- Any member of the public – as well as DWP customers – can access job support through the mobile Jobcentres being tested in Bolton and parts of Wales.
New mobile Jobcentres are pulling up to football matches and retail parks to deliver vital employment support directly to local communities.

The vans have been visiting family hubs, retail car parks and mosques in regions with particularly high levels of unemployment and inactivity as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tests new and inclusive ways to help people back into work. This includes a van pitching up at Bolton Wanderers Football Club last weekend to provide job support to fans on match day.

In Bolton alone, nearly 1-in-3 people are currently inactive, with unemployment significantly higher than the national average. This van and others like it are performing a vital service to areas like Bolton, breaking down barriers to opportunity and bringing the expertise and support of the DWP straight into the heart of the communities that need it most.

The mobile Jobcentres are staffed by experienced Work Coaches who offer expert support with job searching, training opportunities and can provide information to those with health conditions or disabilities and accessing childcare costs.

As well as existing customers, the service is open and accessible to all members of the public and forms part of the government’s wider plans to tackle inactivity, support people into jobs and make everyone better off under its Plan for Change.

With the vans in Bolton, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham already proving a success, a van in Scotland will launch later this month and cover Moray and the Highlands.

The Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, saw the Bolton mobile Jobcentre in action today (Monday 10 February) as members of the local community received advice outside the Great Lever Family Hub, a Start Well Children’s Centre.

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, said:

For too long, people have been denied the opportunity of securing a good job and getting on in their career. Under our major employment reforms, we want to see everyone, in every corner of the country, become better off.

This mobile Jobcentre is a perfect example of an inclusive and accessible DWP solution that ensures no one misses out on the job support they deserve. Getting more people back into work is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver economic growth, create better opportunities and put more money into the pockets of working people.

Sam Ashton, a Work Coach based on the Bolton mobile Jobcentre, added:

The new Bolton mobile Jobcentre hit the road in January and has already pulled up in various locations across the town including at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. We have been supporting customers with a whole host of needs, whether that is with their job search, or accessing childcare costs.

We’re really looking forward to helping even more people in harder to reach areas and make it much easier for them to access our services.

The government is delivering on the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation as set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper. Key measures include overhauling Jobcentres, introducing a Youth Guarantee to ensure all people aged 18 to 21 are earning or learning and connecting local work, health and skills plans.
February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Support for Ukrainians continues as government extends driving licence and vehicle exemptions [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 10 February 2025.

Ukrainian licence holders will be able to drive on Great Britain’s roads for up to 4.5 years from when they arrive in the UK.
- rules to allow Ukrainians to drive in the UK using their Ukrainian license extended
- Ukrainians will also remain exempt from registering and paying vehicle excise duty in the UK on Ukrainian-registered vehicles
- additional support comes as UK and Ukraine sign historic 100-year partnership to bolster maritime security and deepen trade ties
Ukrainian nationals who have fled Russia’s illegal invasion will continue being able to drive, as the government extends rules to support them.

The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, has announced an 18-month extension for Ukrainian licence holders, allowing them to drive mopeds, motorcycles and cars – meaning these motorists will be able to drive on Great Britain’s roads for up to 4.5 years from arriving here in the UK.

In addition, certain Ukrainians on visa schemes will be exempt for a further 18 months from registering their vehicles or paying vehicle excise duty (VED) for their Ukrainian-registered vehicles in the UK. This reduces financial pressure and avoids unnecessary costs and complications.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

The government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine, and it’s important those in the UK who’ve fled Putin’s illegal invasion are able to get about with ease for work or education.

This may seem like a small thing, but I’m pleased our country is taking action to help make day-to-day life that little bit easier for those who have endured unimaginable hardship for 3 years now.

The UK and Ukraine have an unbreakable bond reflected through the recently announced 100 Year Partnership, which ensures closer communities are supported for generations to come.

These exemptions align with the launch of the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme, which enables certain Ukrainians to stay in the UK for a further 18 months from the end of their current permission. These measures will help avoid obstacles that may make it harder for Ukrainians to return home after the war to support reconstruction efforts.

The UK is steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine, with £12.8 billion in humanitarian, economic and military support since the invasion started in February 2022. The Prime Minister committed £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.
February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Home Office smashes targets with mass surge in migrant removals [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 February 2025.

Nearly 19,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders have been returned since the election to countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America following a major escalation in immigration enforcement by the Home Office.

By redeploying 1,000 staff to work on immigration enforcement and sending a clear signal that those coming here illegally will be returned swiftly – between 5 July 2024 and 31 January 2025, enforced returns are up 24%, removals of foreign national offenders up 21% and illegal working raids up by 38% compared to the same period 12 months prior.

These figures represent the highest rate of returns seen in the UK since 2018 and include the 4 biggest returns charter flights in the UK’s history, with a total of more than 850 people on board.

As part of this release, the Home Office has for the first time shared images of the inner working of the removals process to provide further understanding of this important work.

The government’s success in ramping up removals is a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver on working people’s priorities and finally restoring order to the asylum system. This new approach focusses on breaking the business model of smuggling gangs through tougher law enforcement powers than ever before, rapidly removing those who are here illegally and ending the false promise of jobs used by gangs to sell spaces on boats.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper 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 resource 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.

Deportations and returns of foreign national offenders and failed asylum seekers continue to take place regularly, with final numbers to be confirmed later in the year, as part of the Home Office’s usual published statistics.

Ramping up returns is an important part of the government’s system-wide action to strengthen UK border security and restore order to the asylum and immigration system. Tackling illegal working is also vital to this approach and last month saw 828 premises raided by Immigration Enforcement, the highest total of raids recorded in the month of January for over half a decade.

During these enforcement operations Immigration Enforcement officers also play a crucial role in tackling human trafficking and modern slavery through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This system allows the government to carry out its obligations to identify and support adult victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Immigration Enforcement officers are trained to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking when they carry out enforcement visits and refer victims to the NRM for support.

In the months ahead, the government will introduce new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs, as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK border security, which has second reading in the House of Commons today.

February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Simon Case takes leading role in plan to transform Barrow [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 10 February 2025.

Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Simon Case has been appointed independent Chair of the Barrow Delivery Board, the government announced today (Monday, Feb 10).

Dr Case brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role after a long career in the Civil Service.

The Delivery Board will deliver the Barrow Transformation Fund, a £200m government package to deepen and develop Barrow’s crucial role at the heart of UK national security and nuclear submarine-building, overseen by the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

It forms part of the Plan for Barrow, which aims to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable growth and boost opportunities for residents.

Minister for Local Growth and Building Safety Alex Norris said:

Barrow lies at the heart of our defence industry, and the nuclear submarines produced there play a crucial role in keeping Britain safe. We are committed to building on Barrow’s incredible strengths and making sure local people benefit from the town’s development.

Simon Case is ideally placed to chair the Delivery Board and oversee the delivery of £200m of funding to tackle local priorities, taking Barrow towards an exciting future. He will ensure Barrow’s place in our national Plan for Change – because what’s best for Barrow is best for the country.

Dr Case said:

I’m delighted to be appointed Chair and take on this important role. Barrow is critical to our national security; there’s nowhere else in the country with the unique set of skills and supporting infrastructure required to deliver complex nuclear submarines, so it’s vital we invest now to sustain this capability.

Barrow is a fantastic town and the Government’s long-term commitment to the UK’s submarine programme means it has an exciting future, but it’s not without its challenges. Our task is to address these, turn ambition into reality and help transform Barrow into a place where people choose to live, work and thrive.

The government is committed to growing the economy, strengthening national security and supporting our communities as part of the Plan for Change.

Barrow’s contribution to maintaining and renewing the UK’s nuclear deterrent has been built up over many years – often by multiple generations of the same families as part of a truly national endeavour. The government’s tailored Transformation Fund will build on these historic strengths and ensure the town’s full potential is realised.

Dr Case’s appointment was confirmed by Minister Norris in a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament today. The Delivery Board will meet in March to make its first spending decisions. This funding will bring transformational and long-lasting change to Barrow across areas including transport, education, employment, skills, health, equity and wellbeing.

Dr Case previously acted as Chair of the Board on an interim basis, as part of his role as Cabinet Secretary.

February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK remains committed to achieving justice for survivors of Daesh crimes – UK statement at the UN Security Council [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 10 February 2025.

Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.

The UK remains fully focused on tackling the continued threat from Daesh and its affiliates.

Whilst steady progress has been made by the international community to suppress Daesh, we cannot become complacent.

Daesh continues to exploit regional instability, drive division and seek new ways to finance its operations through emerging technology and this remains a global threat which we need to address collectively.

In the Middle East, after decades of atrocities committed by the Assad regime, the United Kingdom stands with the people of Syria and their desire to build a more stable, free and prosperous future.

We welcome continued efforts, including by the Global Coalition, to suppress Daesh and reduce the risk they pose as Syria embarks on this historic political transition.

Iraq also remains a critical partner – the reduction in Daesh’s influence and impact in Iraq is a credit to Iraqi determination and sustained military efforts, alongside Coalition partners.

The UK remains committed to achieving justice for survivors of Daesh crimes.

We will continue working with the Government of Iraq as they build on UNITAD’s legacy and deliver accountability through their National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC).

In Asia, ISKP continue to pose a threat despite work to combat them, including by Pakistan, and other countries in the region.

The UK continues to coordinate action against the group through the ISKP Diplomatic Grouping, targeting their propaganda and seeking to restrict their access to financial resources.

In Africa, Daesh continues to spread across large parts of the continent, threatening regional stability and inspiring individuals to conduct attacks.

The African Union plays a central role in coordinating the international response, and the UK welcomes, for example. the renewed mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the recent deployment of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission to Somalia.

Finally, we cannot fight terrorism with force alone.

A whole of society approach with the meaningful participation of women is needed to address the long-term drivers of terrorism.

The protection of human rights and rule of law should be at the heart of all of our efforts.

February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Four new members appointed and two reappointed to Defra’s Science Advisory Council [February 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 10 February 2025.

Appointments and reappointments made to Defra’s Science Advisory Council.

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed the appointment of four new members and the reappointment of two members to the Science Advisory Council.

The four new appointees are:
- Professor Nicola Beaumont
- Professor Camille Bonneaud
- Professor Chris Hauton
- Professor Jane Hill
Members will serve a three-year term, taking effect from 10 February 2025 until 9 February 2028.

Two existing members of the Science Advisory Council have been reappointed for a second term of three years. Professor Felix Eigenbrod’s reappointment began on 1 February 2025 and will continue until 31 January 2028. Professor Marian Scott’s second term takes effect on 1 June 2025 and will run until 31 May 2028.

The appointments have been made in accordance with the Ministerial Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Defra’s Science Advisory Council

Defra’s Science Advisory Council is an advisory non-departmental public body which provides expert independent advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Ministerial appointments [February 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 February 2025.

The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:
- Ashley Dalton MP as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care.
- The Rt Hon. Douglas Alexander MP jointly as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, in addition to his role as Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade.
- Lord Moraes OBE as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).
- Lord Wilson of Sedgefield as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).
Andrew Gwynne MP has left the government.
February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister takes part in National HIV Testing Week [February 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 10 February 2025.

In support of National HIV Testing Week, the Prime Minister undertook a public rapid HIV home test, available for free, in No 10 Downing Street.
- Prime Minister takes part in National HIV Testing Week – UK Government backed drive offering free, quick and easy HIV self and home testing kits.
- First Serving Prime Minister and serving G7 leader to take a public HIV test.
- HIV Testing Week to drive efforts to reach estimated 4,700 undiagnosed people living in England to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.
In support of National HIV Testing Week, the Prime Minister undertook a public rapid HIV home test, available for free, in No10 Downing Street.

By taking part in the campaign, he will be the first serving British Prime Minister and serving G7 leader to take a public test on camera.

Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust Patron Beverley Knight, the Prime Minister took a rapid home test to raise awareness that during National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a free and confidential HIV test from www.freetesting.hiv to do at home.

The campaign which sees up to 20,000 funded kits being available to the public – centres on regular home or self-testing – one way to meet the Government’s ambition to end new HIV cases in England by 2030 committed to by the Prime Minister in December.

After undertaking a test, the Prime Minister said:

It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick. And during testing week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.

If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know, and that is a good thing because you can then get access to treatment, and that will also help meet our collective target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.

It comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of leading HIV Charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home.

However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.

The Prime Minister has committed to ending new HIV cases in England by 2030, with a new HIV Action Plan to be published in summer 2025.

Once diagnosed, people living with HIV can access free, effective treatment which means they can have a normal life expectancy and can’t pass on the virus.

Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said:

The Prime Minister has made history by becoming the first G7 leader to publicly take an HIV test while in office and has led by example.

This free, quick and simple test sends a powerful message to the country and to the public. During National HIV Testing Week, anyone in England can order a test to their home, whether that’s to Downing Street, to Penzance or to Berwick-up-Tweed.

England can be the first country in the world to end new HIV transmissions, but we are not on track to do so by 2030. Scaling up HIV testing will be crucial to our shared goal. We are delighted that Keir Starmer is leading from the front in this mission.

Beverley Knight MBE said:

Living with HIV today is a world away from the experience that my late best friend Tyrone endured in the early 2000s. People living with HIV can now easily know their status, can access effective treatment and live a long, healthy life. I wish this was case for Ty. In his memory, I’m using my voice alongside the Prime Minister to make everyone aware of how easy it is to test. People need to hear the crucial message that thanks to effective medication people living with HIV can’t pass it on, so we can end this epidemic once and for all.

Rebecca Mbewe, an author and speaker, who is living with HIV said:

Testing for HIV is the only way to know your status, and it helps you stay in control of your health. If you do have a positive result, you won’t be on your own. I have been living with HIV for close to 30 years, I am still able to do anything and everything that I like. I still have my glass of gin and tonic. I can still go out and dance. Thanks to free, effective medication, I have a full life, I can’t pass HIV on and I have a normal life expectancy. Every time I have a birthday I love telling people my age. It’s a statement. It’s a celebration.
February 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK-wide blitz on illegal working to strengthen border security [February 2025]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 10 February 2025.

Most successful January in over half a decade for Home Office Immigration Enforcement teams tackling illegal working.

A record-breaking January for illegal working enforcement activity has been revealed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper as the government’s landmark Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill returns to Parliament for its second reading, today (Monday 10 February).

Tackling illegal working plays a vital part in the Home Office’s system-wide approach to ending the promise of false jobs used by smuggling gangs to sell spaces on boats and taking down their business models as we restore order to the immigration system.

Following a drive from this government to have more deployable enforcement staff, a renewed crackdown on those attempting to undermine the UK’s borders last month saw the highest January in over half a decade for enforcement activity.

Throughout January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams descended on 828 premises, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants and car washes, marking a 48% rise compared to the previous January. Arrests also surged to 609, demonstrating a 73% increase from just 352 the previous year.

More broadly, between 5 July last year and 31 January, both illegal working visits and arrests have soared by around 38% compared to the same 12 months prior. During the same period, the Home Office issued a total of 1,090 civil penalty notices. Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.

In many cases, those who come to the UK and end up working illegally are sold false promises about their ability to live and work in the UK, creating a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel on a small boat.

In reality, illegal working is inextricably linked to squalid living conditions, little to no pay and inhumane working hours. By paying so little, rogue employers often attempt to avoid paying their fair share in taxes to contribute to the economy and undercut honest competitors who follow the law.

Under its Plan for Change, the government is delivering steadfast action to restore order to the UK immigration system and the surge in enforcement activity to crack down on illegal working is a vital cog in the government’s wider machine to identify, disrupt and tackle irregular migration across the country.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken.

Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.

That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long.

While enforcement teams respond to illegal working intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity took place at restaurants, takeaways and cafes as well as in the food, drink and tobacco industry.

An operation in Cheshire to vape shops led to 10 immigration arrests and 2 criminal arrests for counterfeit documents, with civil penalty referral notices being made to employers, and a visit to an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to 7 arrests and 4 detentions. Elsewhere, in South London, a visit to a grocery warehouse resulted in 6 arrests and 4 people being detained.

As part of this activity, Immigrant Enforcement play a critical safeguarding role, working closely with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority and other organisations to allow employees to report labour exploitation.

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance and Crime, said:

These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system.

I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.

We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.

Border Security is central to the government’s Plan for Change and, alongside enforcement activity, the Home Office is ramping up returns of individuals with no right to be in the UK. Just last month, the department smashed its target to drive the removal of foreign criminals and immigration offenders to the highest level since 2018, with 16,400 people removed since the election. This figure is expected to go up later today when the Home Office publishes updated figures running to the end of January.

Since July, bespoke charter flights have also removed immigration offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in the UK’s history carrying more than 800 people. Individuals removed since the election include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape and murder.

We’re also working upstream to deter people from entering the UK illegally by launching a new international campaign to debunk people smugglers’ lies.

Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and Albania in January, highlighting real stories from migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face debt, exploitation, and a life far from what they were promised. The campaign also warns prospective migrants about the realities of illegal working, as the government continues to crack down on employers who break the law and exploit people for profit.

In the months ahead, we will go further than ever by introducing new counter terror-style powers to identify, disrupt and smash people smuggling gangs as part of new, robust legislation to protect UK borders, set to be discussed in Parliament today.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement additional powers to take earlier and more effective action against organised crime gangs, including seizing mobile phones from people who come to the UK illegally before the point of arrest.

Next month, the government will go further by hosting a landmark Border Security Summit at the historic Lancaster House in London.

A watershed moment in the UK’s fight against Organised Immigration Crime, the summit will bring together delegates from over 40 countries, as well as guest participants from a range of international institutions, including the European Union.

The summit will be held on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April, and will facilitate a range of discussions on the best ways to tackle criminal networks facilitating organised immigration crime and migrant smuggling.

February 21, 2025