Foreign criminals to be deported immediately

FOREIGN criminals will be sent “packing” deported immediately when they receive a custodial sentence, the Justice Secretary has pledged.

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Shabana Mahmood has proposed a law change, which could save taxpayers an average £54,000 per year, per prison place.

The changes would apply to prisoners serving fixed-term “determinate” sentences, and authorities would retain their power not to deport a criminal but instead keep them in custody, for example, if the offender was planning further crimes against the UK’s interests or national security.

“Our message is clear,” Ms Mahmood said. “If you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing.”

She also said: “Deportations are up under this government, and with this new law they will happen earlier than ever before.”