UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to take stronger measures against illegal foreign workers in the country as part of his administration’s immigration reforms.
He made this known in a tweet via his verified handle on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, where he emphasized his commitment to tightening border security and ensuring that immigration laws are strictly enforced.
According to Starmer, one of the biggest challenges facing the UK’s immigration system is the increasing number of individuals who manage to enter the country illegally and engage in unlawful employment. He assured the public that his government would take decisive steps to curb this trend and restore integrity to the labor market.
In his words, “Too many people are able to come to the UK and work illegally. We are putting an end to it.” He further stated that a coordinated effort between the government, law enforcement, and the Home Office would be implemented to crack down on those who exploit legal loopholes to remain in the country unlawfully.
Since taking office in July 2024, Starmer has introduced a series of immigration policies aimed at creating a balanced approach that prioritizes national security while maintaining fairness for genuine asylum seekers and legal migrants. Analysts have described his stance as “firm but fair,” noting that he has attempted to differentiate himself from the policies of his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, and the hardline immigration stance of Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch.
However, Starmer’s administration faces increasing pressure from the opposition, particularly the Conservatives and the rising influence of Reform UK, both of which advocate for even stricter immigration controls. Political analysts suggest that this pressure has contributed to Starmer taking a firmer approach on illegal migration to maintain public support and prevent the opposition from capitalizing on concerns over border security.
Coinciding with Starmer’s statement, the UK Home Office announced a new wave of immigration enforcement measures aimed at tackling illegal employment. Officials confirmed that large-scale raids targeting businesses suspected of hiring illegal workers would be intensified across major cities. These raids are part of a broader government initiative to curb undocumented employment and penalize employers who fail to verify workers’ legal status before hiring them.
Government data released this week showed that the number of deportations of illegal immigrants had surged, with reports indicating a 38 per cent increase in illegal working visits and arrests since Labour took power. Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized that the government would not tolerate violations of immigration laws and warned that more stringent penalties would be introduced to deter both illegal workers and employers who knowingly hire them.
As the debate over immigration continues to dominate UK politics, Starmer’s latest announcement signals his determination to strike a balance between public concerns over illegal migration and the economic needs of the country. With upcoming policy reviews expected in the coming months, observers anticipate further developments in the government’s approach to immigration control.