Tag: Home Office

The press release issued by the Home Office on 19 October 2025.

The number of illegal migrants returned under the UK-France deal has reached 42 after 16 were returned to France in largest group flight yet.

A record number of 16 illegal migrants have been returned to France this week in the largest group flight yet, bringing the total number of returns to 42. 

The Home Secretary has pledged to “scale up removals to France” in a stark warning to those attempting to enter the country illegally.   

The previous government’s Rwanda policy consumed years of effort and hundreds of millions in public funds yet removed only 4 people. Within weeks of our new arrangement with France, the government has successfully removed 42 illegal migrants.  

The UK-France treaty allows the rapid detention and removal of individuals who enter illegally via small boats. 

Further flights to France under this pilot scheme are scheduled to take place over the coming days and weeks, as the government looks to work with the French government to scale up the scheme. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:  

For many years, illegal migrants entered our country with no consequence. 

This is the largest return flight under our historic deal with the French. And it sends a warning to those considering entering this country illegally: if you come here by small boat, you can be sent back. 

This is just the beginning – I will scale up these removals to France. And I will do whatever it takes to secure our borders.

This comes after the UK government sent border security officers to the Balkans last week to disrupt illegal migration routes and explore new enforcement techniques that could see UK law enforcement and border security operations alongside Frontex in the Western Balkans to track down and arrest people smugglers. 

This follows the UK National Crime Agency leading 350 disruptions of immigration crime networks over the last year – its highest level on record and a 40% increase on the previous 12 months.  

The UK government continues to work with France to operate a tightly controlled legal route for an equal number of eligible individuals to come to the UK, subject to rigorous security checks. This legal pathway reflects the strength of the UK-France relationship.

This pilot scheme will continue to be ramped up, with both countries having committed to continuously improving the process of this innovative approach.  

This continued work as part of the government’s Plan for Change demonstrates the comprehensive approach to securing borders through international co-operation, operational enforcement, and decisive action against criminal networks facilitating illegal migration.  

The press release issued by the Home Office on 14 October 2025.

The number of robberies involving a knife, or the threat of one, continues to fall in England and Wales.

The government has pledged to halve knife crime over the next decade, as part of the Plan for Change. 

The new figures show a 10% reduction in offences under this government across the 7 police forces most impacted by knife crime, with areas like West Midlands seeing a 30% drop, following targeted policing efforts.  

Interventions include the use of hotspot policing, acting on better intelligence on offenders, increased patrols using knife arches, drones and plain clothes officers. 

A dedicated taskforce was set up in October 2024 for an initial 6 months to turbocharge this work after seeing a stark rise in incidents between July 2023 and June 2024, bringing together the Metropolitan Police, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset, and British Transport Police.  

With efforts continuing throughout the past year, all 7 police force areas are now seeing a reduction in robberies involving a knife since June 2024, collectively turning a 14% year-on-year increase in knife-enabled robbery into a 10% year-on-year reduction. 

Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said: 

Those who have been robbed at knifepoint know how terrifying and traumatic that experience can be, and this government took immediate action through the Plan for Change to reverse this troubling trend.  

Through relentless focus, targeted policing and strong partnerships, we are turning this worrying rise into a sustained fall, and we have also started to see a reduction in overall knife crime for the first time in 4 years. 

But there is so much more to do, which is why we are bringing in the toughest measures yet to crack down on the online sale of weapons and invest in the futures of our young people to set them on a better path.

As the latest figures show, between the year ending June 2024 and the year ending August 2025: 

• West Midlands Police saw a 30% reduction, the largest percentage fall, with 771 fewer robberies
• the British Transport Police also reported a notable fall of 107 offences, down 26% 
• Avon and Somerset recorded a 14% drop, or 82 fewer offences 
• South Yorkshire saw a reduction of 8%, or 49 offences
• West Yorkshire saw a 7% decrease with 66 fewer cases
• the Metropolitan Police recorded a 5% drop in knife-related robberies, or a decrease of 484 offences 
• Greater Manchester Police reported a decline of 3%, or 35 offences

The fall in these types of robberies comes alongside a series of major interventions by the Home Office and police forces to tackle knife crime more broadly.  

In August it became illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or import ninja swords. This measure, introduced under Ronan’s Law, followed years of campaigning by the family of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was murdered with a ninja sword in 2022.  

Pooja Kanda, knife crime campaigner and mother to Ronan Kanda, said: 

The statistics show that the government has taken a proactive approach to reducing knife-enabled robberies.  

The significant drop we are seeing is a positive sign and a step closer to the government’s mission of halving knife crime within a decade – something I’m confident we will achieve with the continued support and hard work of campaigners and the government alike.

This coincided with a nationwide weapons surrender scheme that saw thousands of deadly weapons handed in by members of the public. 

The scheme included 37 new surrender bins and a mobile surrender van operated by FazAmnesty, and reached high-risk areas like London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester.  

Beyond the ban, Ronan’s Law is introducing age verification for online knife sales, fines for tech executives who fail to remove illegal knife content, and new offences for possession with violent intent. 

The government is also piloting new multi-agency Prevention Partnership Panels to proactively identify and refer vulnerable teenagers – who may currently be falling through the net – to a range of different support services much earlier, including Young Futures Hubs. 

Backed by a £2 million cash injection, 8 of these hubs will launch this year in areas with high levels of knife crime and antisocial behaviour, offering a lifeline to vulnerable young people. It is expected that 50 Young Future Hubs will be launched over the next 4 years. 

Patrick Green, CEO for the Ben Kinsella Trust, said: 

Reducing knife crime is about more than just bringing down crime statistics; it’s about making a profound investment in public safety and the future of our young people. When we successfully drive down knife-enabled robbery, we actively remove the fear that can often make people feel unsafe. Critically, this also helps dismantle the dangerous misconception that leads some young people to believe they must carry a weapon for ‘protection’.

The government’s targeted strategy to reduce knife-enabled robberies is crucial, because it also addresses the clear and harmful connection between robbery and the fear it can instil in young people.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 13 October 2025.

MI5’s National Protective Security Authority issues new security guidance to protect democratic institutions from espionage and foreign interference.

MI5’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has today published new guidance to help protect the UK’s democratic institutions from foreign interference and espionage threats.

The guidance outlines how state backed actors and their proxies attempt to manipulate, discredit or secretly gather information on political figures at all levels. This is done often through subtle and deceptive means that blur the line between legitimate engagement and malign activity. 

The guidance is designed to help MPs, peers, councillors, Parliamentary staff and candidates understand the threat and take simple, effective steps to protect themselves, their teams, and the integrity of the UK’s democracy.

While the guidance highlights that the UK is a target of strategic foreign interference and espionage from elements of the Russian, Chinese and Iranian states, it takes an actor-agnostic approach, focusing on the behaviours, methods and warning signs that should raise red flags, regardless of where the threat originates from.

Minister for Cabinet Office and Home Office, Dan Jarvis, said: 

I urge anyone working in government, public service or politics to be alert and trust their instincts if something does not feel right, and follow NPSA’s guidance. Foreign intelligence officers frequently operate covertly and exploit professional networking sites and personal vulnerabilities to build influence.

This new guidance builds on the work we are already doing to tackle these issues. Those engaging in political influence on behalf of foreign powers must register under the Foreign Influence Registration scheme, as Parliament and the public have a right to know who is seeking to influence political outcomes, and in whose interests.

Elected representatives and those who work with them may be targeted for their access to information, their ability to shape policy or public opinion, or their relationships with others of interest. This includes not only classified material but also privileged or insider knowledge that foreign intelligence services find valuable. This could be through attempts to exploit overseas travel, online activity, and financial donations as routes to access and influence.

MI5 Director General, Sir Ken McCallum, said: 

When foreign states steal vital UK information or manipulate our democratic processes they don’t just damage our security in the short-term, they erode the foundations of our sovereignty and ability to protect our citizens’ interests.

Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about the role they play in UK democracy. Take action today to protect it – and yourself.

We have seen previous cases of political interference, including most recently the case of the former Member of the European Parliament, Nathan Gill, and previously Christine Lee, a lawyer who was working in coordination with an arm of the Chinese Communist Party.

The guidance details key threat behaviours, including cultivation through long-term relationship building, blackmail, phishing attacks and disinformation activity.

We encourage individuals to trust their instincts, remain alert to subtle changes in behaviour or intent, and report any suspicious interactions – however apparently minor – to their security teams.

Engagement will now take place across Parliament, devolved administrations and local government.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 11 October 2025.

New British passports featuring His Majesty’s Coat of Arms to launch in December.

The first British passports bearing His Majesty King Charles III’s Coat of Arms will be issued from December as part of a revamped design.

The 4 nations of the UK will be represented through images of 4 UNESCO-protected natural landscapes – Ben Nevis, the Lake District, Three Cliffs Bay, and the Giant’s Causeway.

Incorporating the latest anti-forgery technology, it is also the most secure British passport ever produced.

This includes cutting-edge holographic and translucent features, making passports easier to verify and even harder to forge or tamper with. 

This helps prevent illegal entry by people with no right to be in the UK, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change to secure Britain’s borders.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp said: 

The introduction of His Majesty’s Arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport.

It also demonstrates our commitment to outstanding public service – celebrating British heritage while ensuring our passports remain among the most secure and trusted in the world for years to come.

The updated passport is the first wholly new design since 2020. It comes as His Majesty’s Passport Office continues to deliver exceptional service to British citizens. In the first 6 months of 2025 over 3.8 million passports were issued, with 99.7% of applications where no further information was required being processed within 3 weeks, above the target of 98.5%.

People should check their passport’s validity and apply in good time ahead of any planned travel. Passports issued with the Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth II remain valid until the expiry date.

The first modern-style British passport was introduced in 1915, with the first security feature, a watermark, added in 1972. Since then, HM Passport Office has added dozens of further security measures to ensure British passports stay ahead of criminals, including complex patterns that are hard to replicate and features only visible under UV light.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 9 October 2025.

Under the landmark UK-France migration deal, the first groups of small boats arrivals to the UK have been successfully removed on flights to France.

The first group removals of small boat migrants under the UK’s landmark migration treaty with France have now taken place, marking another momentous step in the government’s efforts to dismantle the criminal networks profiting from human misery.

The UK-France treaty grants the UK decisive new powers to detain and rapidly remove individuals who enter illegally via small boats, blocking access to the UK asylum system.

Over the past week, 2 group flights saw 19 individuals returned to France, following the successful returns of an additional 7 individuals in the last month. The second group flight arrived in France earlier today before continuing its journey to Eastern Europe as part of the government’s regular schedule of returns flights.

Further flights to France under this pilot scheme are scheduled to take place over the coming days and weeks.

In addition, the UK government continues to work with France to operate a tightly controlled legal route for an equal number of eligible migrants to come to the UK, subject to rigorous security checks. Nine arrivals entered the UK this week through this route.

This pilot scheme will continue to be ramped up, with both countries having committed to continuously improving the process of this innovative approach.

The Home Office today has released content from the first group flight last week, including footage of migrants boarding and the aircraft departing.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

We must put an end to these dangerous crossings which put lives at risk and money in the pockets of criminal gangs.

The contrast couldn’t be clearer. The last government’s Rwanda scheme took years and cost hundreds of millions of pounds, and failed to forcefully remove a single person. In a matter of weeks, we’ve returned 26 through our historic agreement with France.

With flights to France now underway and ramping up, we are sending out a clear message: if you come here illegally, you face being detained and removed, so think twice before making that journey.

On top of this work, enforcement activity continues to be ramped up, with the National Crime Agency carrying out over 350 disruptions against people-smuggling networks last year – a 40% increase on the previous year.

Over 35,000 individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK have been returned, with asylum-related returns up 28% year-on-year.

The Home Office is now issuing over 31,000 initial asylum decisions every quarter – triple the average under the previous government.

This co-ordinated approach – combining decisive enforcement action, international cooperation, and controlled routes – demonstrates the government’s comprehensive Plan for Change to strengthen our borders while upholding our humanitarian obligations and dismantling the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 October 2025.

Following a successful pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this year, the Home Secretary has approved the appointment.

John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, has been appointed as the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration and will assume the role immediately.

The government is in the process of recruiting a new Immigration Services Commissioner, which will be confirmed shortly. While this recruitment process concludes, immigration advice will continue to be provided by registered organisations and advisers regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA).

John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, said:

It has been an incredible five years leading the IAA through both challenges and change. I am immensely proud to have supported our dedicated staff in transforming the IAA into the organisation it is today – one that remains committed to protecting advice seekers upholding the highest standards across the immigration advice sector.

Heather Laing, Chief Executive, said:

We are deeply grateful for John’s leadership and dedication over the past five years, guiding the IAA through significant transformation. On behalf of the organisation, I want to thank him for his commitment and wish him the very best for the future. As we move forward, I look forward to building on this foundation and continuing to strengthen the IAA’s vital work.

John joined the IAA in 2019, having worked in senior leadership roles across multiple regulatory and governmental bodies. With a wealth of experience in public service, he guided the IAA, formerly the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner, through a period of significant transformation. Under his leadership, the organisation strengthened its role in protecting advice seekers and promoting best practice across the immigration advice sector. His dedication to integrity, accountability, and organisational development has left a lasting impact, shaping the IAA into the organisation it is today.

To ensure continuity for the IAA, John will continue to serve as Immigration Services Commissioner for a short period on a part-time basis while the process for his successor is finalised.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 7 October 2025.

The Home Secretary has today announced John Tuckett’s appointment as Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI).

The Home Secretary has today (7 October) announced John Tuckett’s appointment as Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI).

This follows successful pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee earlier this year. He will replace David Bolt who has been serving as interim ICIBI since June 2024.

Mr Tuckett joins from his previous position as Immigration Services Commissioner, which he has held since July 2019, and brings more than 30 years of experience to the role.  

Following a career as a Royal Navy submarine commander, Mr Tuckett moved into senior Home Office positions where he successfully led the merger of Prison and Probation Services

He also served as Chief Executive of the Marine Management Organisation and has led major organisational change programmes across multiple government departments.

The ICIBI plays a vital role in independently monitoring and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK’s border, immigration and citizenship system, making recommendations directly to the Home Secretary. The role will be conducted from the UK full time.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp said: 

John Tuckett brings exceptional experience in public service leadership and organisational transformation, which will be invaluable as we secure Britain’s borders and reform our immigration system.

I would like to thank David Bolt for all his hard work during his time as interim Independent Chief Inspector.

Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, John Tuckett, said:

I am delighted and privileged to be taking up this important role and committed to providing robust, independent scrutiny of the UK’s border security and immigration processes. 

My priority will be to help ensure the immigration system works efficiently and effectively while upholding the highest standards of fairness and security.

This appointment forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which includes major reforms to streamline the immigration system and strengthen borders while maintaining robust security checks.

The government is in the process of recruiting a new Immigration Services Commissioner who will be confirmed shortly.

The press release issued by the Home Office on 6 October 2025.

Journalists now have a dedicated point of contact in every police force in the UK to get support when faced with abuse and threats of violence.

• New agreement to bolster reporter safety as part of the Government’s National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists
• Plans to promote media freedom and protect press from harassment

Journalists across the country are being urged to make use of newly established dedicated contacts within every police force in the latest measure by the Government to promote media freedom and protect journalists.

Every police force in the UK now has a Journalist Safety Liaison Officer, as part of a strengthened partnership between the media, policing and Government to improve their safety.

Journalists routinely risk their personal safety while reporting from protests, crime scenes, and other volatile environments. Their presence on the ground is essential for challenging misinformation and highlighting issues that matter to communities across the UK. Yet in recent years, they’ve increasingly become targets – both online and on the ground.

Media Minister Ian Murray said:

Too often, journalists are put in harm’s way while fulfilling their vital role of delivering accurate news to the public. 

It is only right that they feel supported and protected so they can focus on carrying out their jobs to the highest standard.

By appointing Journalist Safety Liaison Officers in every police force, I hope reporters will feel reassured knowing they have a direct point of contact if issues arise.

In recognition of the potential dangers journalists face, the Government and National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) have stepped up work over the past year to appoint Journalist Safety Liaison Officers (JSLOs).

In addition to those that already exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland, there is now an officer in all 43 forces in England and Wales, as well as one for the British Transport Police and Counter Terror Policing.

The officers will provide journalists and media employers with a single point of contact and provide practical support in response to abuse or intimidation. This includes safety guidance ahead of high-risk assignments, such as protests, and ensures crimes against journalists are consistently recorded and addressed.

The appointment of JSLOs is part of the Government’s National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, which aims to ensure journalists can carry out their role in informing the public and holding those in power to account. 

It also aligns with Government plans for a Local Media Strategy to support local journalism. Resources are stretched in many local newsrooms across the country, and through the Strategy ministers want to make it easier for journalists to cover the issues that matter to local communities, conduct investigative journalism and report without fear or favour.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who co-chairs the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, said:

I know first-hand what it feels like to be on the receiving end of threats and intimidation. But I also know my experience is not unique – too many people who put themselves in the public eye to do their jobs face the same.

My broader work on safeguarding has shown me how important it is to protect those who speak out, and that must include journalists. Their work underpins our democracy and they must be able to do it free from fear.

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for media and communications, Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, said:

Policing takes the safety of journalists extremely seriously, and this initiative demonstrates our commitment to protecting those who play a vital role in our democracy.

The National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists has brought together partners across policing, government, and the media to tackle the threats journalists face.

Policing is proud to support this work, and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that journalists are protected and empowered to do their jobs without fear or intimidation.

The list of JSLOs is available to all journalists (including freelance journalists) and employers on request and has been circulated by the NPCC. Contact details for the relevant JSLOs can be found by contacting The Society of Editors, the News Media Association or The National Union of Journalists.

Additional quotes:

Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors, said:

Improving communication and collaboration between the police and journalists is a vital step in ending impunity for crimes against journalists and the appointment of journalist safety officers across all UK forces sends a strong message to the perpetrators of this abuse. 

Robust, independent journalism strengthens democracy and the safety and ability of journalists to report, without fear or favour, should be of paramount importance to anyone who values a free press and its ability to hold power to account.

News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith said:

Journalists have a crucial role in reporting the stories that matter but, sadly, increasingly, they face an array of threats and intimidation designed to silence reporting.

This is completely unacceptable and those responsible should be held fully accountable for their actions.

The NMA strongly supports the aims of the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists. The new list of Journalist Safety Liaison Officers is a very welcome initiative which will facilitate support for journalists who find themselves on the receiving end of threats and direct intimidation.

Laura Davison, NUJ general secretary, said:

The introduction of JSLOs within police forces across the UK will be welcomed by journalists as important progress in the government’s ongoing work on the safety of journalists.

No journalist should ever face threats or abuse as part of their role, and ensuring designated contacts to approach serves as a crucial milestone in providing practical, vital support to journalists when needed most.