In a recent interview, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that businesses will be targeted over the summer as part of the government’s new push to reduce illegal immigration.
In the interview, she said that officials are targeting businesses including those in the beauty sector, car washes, and others over the summer as part of a “returns and enforcement programme” that will target business owners suspected of hiring illegal workers.
She said: “We have directed Immigration Enforcement to intensify their operations over the summer, with a focus on employers who are fuelling the trade of criminal gangs by exploiting and facilitating illegal working here in the UK – including in car washes and in the beauty sector.”
“And we are drawing up new plans for fast-track decisions and returns for safe countries. Most people in this country want to see a properly controlled and managed asylum system, where Britain does its bit to help those fleeing conflict and persecution, but where those who have no right to be in the country are swiftly removed.”
Ms Cooper also said that addressing the issue of small boats would be a long-term effort requiring substantial work, not just quick fixes. She expressed surprise at discovering that 1,000 civil servants had been involved in planning the deportation of migrants to Rwanda.
The Rwanda plan, a key policy of the previous Conservative government, was quickly terminated by Labour following Sir Keir Starmer’s victory in the general election.
Labour has prioritised border security and has already begun establishing the Border Security Command as promised in their manifesto.
At the European Political Community summit this week, the prime minister discussed migration with other European leaders and indicated a willingness to explore offshore processing arrangements similar to those between Italy and Albania.
However, he faced criticism from Conservatives for ending the Rwanda scheme on his first day in office, with critics arguing that it was an essential deterrent against illegal crossings.
According to Home Office data, 228 people in five boats, including a group in a yacht, arrived in Dover on Saturday, bringing this year’s total to 15,717. Tragically, the English Channel crossing continues to claim lives, with two deaths recorded last week and four on 12th July.
