For the first time, the UK government is set to release information on the nationalities of foreign criminals under new plans being announced later today. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has reportedly instructed officials to publish the data, including details of the crimes committed, by the end of the year.
Official figures reveal that over 19,000 foreign offenders were awaiting deportation at the end of last year, a rise from nearly 18,000 at the time the Conservatives left office. A Home Office source said the government aims to provide the public with clearer insights into foreign offenders, including their countries of origin.
The Conservative Party has claimed that Labour’s move reflects a capitulation to pressure over transparency. However, government sources argue the publication is only now feasible because Cooper directed Home Office statisticians to revamp their systems.
Under current laws, foreign nationals sentenced to 12 months or more in prison face automatic deportation. The Home Secretary also retains the discretion to deport individuals with shorter sentences if deemed not conducive to the public good.
The increase in foreign offenders awaiting deportation has been attributed to early prison releases due to overcrowding, geopolitical instability complicating deportations, and numerous human rights appeals. Despite the rise, deportations have increased since Labour assumed power.
Upcoming Home Office data is expected to show that Albanians, Romanians, and Poles make up the largest groups of foreign offenders in the community, with common crimes including drug production, theft, robbery, and violent assault.
Government insiders maintain the shift is due to Labour addressing an issue long overlooked by the previous Conservative administration.
A Home Office source stated: “We’re now deporting foreign criminals at a rate never achieved under Chris Philp and Robert Jenrick. On top of that, we’re releasing far more information about these offenders than the Conservatives ever did.”
They added: “Our goal is to give the public a clearer understanding of how many foreign criminals are awaiting deportation, their nationalities, and the crimes they’ve committed.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick welcomed the move, saying: “This will finally expose the harsh truth that mass migration is driving crime in our communities. The public should have been informed of this much sooner.”
