Try GOLD - Free
Flashpoints The claims about crime and migrants under scrutiny
The Guardian
|August 06, 2025
Several politicians have got into hot water for promoting and repeating misleading data in recent months, particularly about migration and crime.
There have been calls for the government and police to be more transparent about the figures to tackle misinformation. Here are some high-profile claims that have been disputed or debunked.
Conservative Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, said on Radio 4's Today programme on Monday that 40% of sexual crimes in London last year were committed by foreign nationals. The claim came from the Centre of Migration Control (CMC), a thinktank that describes its purpose as "controlling and reducing migration to Britain". CMC's claims come from the Metropolitan police's response to a freedom of information request. The Met issued a breakdown of the number of people who had been proceeded against - brought before a court - for sexual offences by nationality. This does not mean they've been found guilty of committing the offence as Jenrick said. For example, there were 14,242 defendants brought to court for sexual offences at magistrates' courts in England and Wales 2024, but 8,098 convictions, according to Ministry of Justice statistics.
This story is from the August 06, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian

The Guardian
Blunt Liverpool still without a point after Fujino's late winner for City
Gareth Taylor said his Liverpool team just need more time together to implement his style, after they lost a fifth game out of five to remain without a point in the Women's Super League this season.
3 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
Elegant, funny and bohemian
Keaton's ethereal charm defined her comic genius.
3 mins
October 13, 2025
The Guardian
Hostages set for freedom in key step to end Gaza war
Israel expects all 20 captives to be released as Trump says all sides are 'tired of fighting'
6 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
'Through the roof' Is Trump right that crime in London is surging?
London is no longer a safe place to live, at least in the eyes of some of its richest residents - and the 47th president of the United States.
4 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
'My heart is broken' Palestinians search for loved ones amid rubble
Ghali Khadr spent two days pleading with his parents to flee with him to southern Gaza, warning them that it was too dangerous to stay.
3 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
Dozens reported killed after Pakistani and Afghan troops clash along border
Intense clashes erupted along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Saturday night after an attack by the Afghan Taliban on the Pakistani military led to a heavy exchange of fire and reportedly left dozens of soldiers dead.
3 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
'Largest royal treasure theft ever'
Why Benin bronzes still aren't on show in Nigeria's newest museum
6 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
Smiley's secret
The people and stories behind le Carré's spying novels
2 mins
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
Bouncing back Bellamy senses 'special' Cardiff night beckons
Craig Bellamy said he believes a \"special moment\" is brewing for Wales and hopes the perfect storm arrives when they host Belgium in tonight's crunch World Cup qualifier.
1 min
October 13, 2025

The Guardian
Toxic rhetoric blamed as charities face violence
Charities have warned of growing racial abuse, intimidation, and threats of violence towards staff and beneficiaries amid increasingly toxic rhetoric around immigration and race by politicians and extremist activists.
3 mins
October 13, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size