UK to deport foreign criminals to free up jail space

The UK is set to deport foreign criminals to free up prison space in the government's latest immigration crackdown. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed the offenders will be sent “packing" immediately when they receive a custodial sentence.

- Tara Cobham, The Independent

The proposed law change — which could save taxpayers an average of £54,000 per year, per prison place — would apply to prisoners serving fixed-term “determinate” sentences. Authorities would also 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 added: “Deportations are up under this government, and with this new law they will happen earlier than ever before.” Almost 5,200 foreign national offenders have been deported since July 2024, a 14 per cent increase on the 12 months prior, according to the government. The justice secretary's announcement follows a tweak in the law in June — expected to come into force in September — which will see prisoners face deportation 30 per cent into their prison sentence rather than the current 50 percent.