Deportation plan moves forward in parliament

The government proposes new powers to deport foreign criminals after sentencing, aiming to save taxpayer money and protect the public.

Foreign criminals to face deportation after sentencing under new plans

Under the proposals, fixed-term sentences could be deported straight away and those serving life sentences would complete their UK prison term before deportation is considered. After a custodial sentence is handed down, the decision on deportation would shift to a prison governor, with the option to keep someone in custody if further crimes or security concerns arise. The government says the definition of a foreign national follows the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act. If passed, the powers could apply to inmates already in prison, with about 10,400 foreign nationals in UK custody as of January 2024.

Officials argue the plan would save money for taxpayers and strengthen public protection. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood framed the policy as a firm response to offenders who abuse hospitality and break laws. Critics, including opposition figures, warn of practical and diplomatic hurdles if recipient countries refuse to take back their nationals. A June tweak reduced the trigger to 30% of a sentence, and ministers say they now need Parliament’s backing to push the target toward zero percent.

The proposal signals a shift from a wait-and-see approach to a sharper, quicker cycle of removal. It foregrounds cost savings and public safety, but risks alienating international partners and risking wrongful removals if due diligence is not watertight. Granting governors power to decide deportations concentrates authority in prisons and could limit independent review. The policy also tests the balance between sovereign control and international cooperation at a time when asylum and immigration debates are deeply politicized.

Beyond the mechanics, the plan mirrors a broader political style: a branding of tough action under a so-called Plan for Change. Critics argue that operational practicality, the availability of host countries, and human rights considerations will shape how far the policy can actually go in practice. Parliament now faces a choice between expediting removals and preserving safeguards.

Highlights

The process is unfolding in Parliament and on the ground in prisons, with future days likely to reveal its real-world costs and consequences.