'I can't say when we will reduce illegal migration'

YVETTE Cooper yesterday refused to set a deadline to reduce illegal migration despite admitting that the rate of Channel crossings is too high.

- 

The Home Secretary said the Government has a moral responsibility to tackle the crisis but refused to say when she would cut the numbers.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Cooper "are completely failing to control our borders and should hang their heads in shame".

Ministers have insisted that almost 13,500 migrants have been removed from Britain since the General Election in July.

Ms Cooper promised a "step change" in tackling illegal working.

Labour previously pledged to return more people who do not have a right to stay in the UK halfway through their first year in office than any other six-month period since 2018.