Tackling illegal immigration remains a key issue whenever I speak with local people.
Wales is a welcoming country and here in Llanelli we have been proud to support those fleeing war and persecution in pursuit of safety.
I believe we should continue to promote those values of understanding, compassion and respect. However, it is equally important action is taken when people enter our country illegally and that we have secure borders and an immigration system that is firm but fair.
This Labour Government is getting on with raising deportations, returns and removals to the highest rate in six years, increasing the number of illegal working raids and cutting the costs of the asylum system.
Already, we have delivered the highest rate of removals since 2018, with a surge in returns activity leading to 16,400 people with no right to be in the UK being removed. Enforced returns have increased by 24% and our streets have been made safer with the removal of 2,580 foreign criminals – a 23% increase.
Redeploying staff into enforcement has seen flights removing offenders to countries around the world, including 4 of the biggest returns flights in our history. We have also created the new Border Security Command and secured an anti-smuggling plan with G7 nations as well as funding extra intelligence officers to disrupt smuggling gangs.
This week, the next step takes place with the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. I will be backing powerful measures that gives enforcement agencies tougher tools than ever to smash criminal smuggling gangs including new powers on electronic devices, modernised biometric checks, new offences against selling or handling small boat parts and a new law making it an offence to endanger life during small boat crossings to the UK.
Concrete actions, not just empty slogans, to crack down on illegal immigration.