Labour is set to allocate up to £392 million to deport illegal migrants, amid claims that the party is mirroring the policies of Nigel Farage’s resurgent Reform UK.
The Home Office has launched a search for a company to manage deportation flights for individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK. According to contract documents, the department intends to spend between £179 million and £392 million over the next seven years on a “comprehensive service” to return migrants overseas.
The contract includes provisions such as booking scheduled flights for deportations, managing relationships with airline carriers to keep costs down, and occasionally providing accommodation for Home Office staff involved in the process.
The move has triggered a backlash, particularly in response to Labour’s plans to film immigration raids and publish footage of deportation flights as part of a “show not tell” strategy. Critics argue that these measures are performative and intended to fuel political division.
The Refugee Council condemned the approach, calling it a “performative” stunt aimed at sowing discord. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas described the plan as “sickening”, accusing Labour of trying to appease Reform UK.
However, Labour MP for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp, defended the initiative, stating, “We inherited open borders and a broken system. “
“Already, in just six months, we’ve established the Border Security Command and deported a record 16,400 who shouldn’t be here.”
Mike Tapp
He also criticized the opposition, adding, “The Tories have no plan, just unworkable gimmicks like Rwanda, and Reform just say things but put no thought into it. It’s easy in opposition to talk, but we are focused on delivery.”
Criticism From Within Labour
Not all Labour MPs support the move. Left-wing Labour MP Kim Johnson described the plans as “deeply worrying”, arguing that they “echo previous Tory policies and borrow from the far-right playbook instead of offering a real alternative”. She emphasized the need for “safe routes to claiming asylum” rather than “hostile environment rhetoric” that she believes will strengthen Reform UK’s narrative.
Johnson added, “The prime minister has previously promised to defend migrants and develop an asylum system based on compassion and dignity – this should be our focus.”
A Home Office source clarified that the contract is intended to replace an existing arrangement that is due to expire.
Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott criticized the move, saying that Labour is “playing a mug’s game” by following Farage’s stance on immigration.
Labour Stands Firm
Despite the criticism, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle defended the initiative, asserting that Labour is simply “enforcing the rules” and “showing the world” that entering the UK illegally and finding work will not be easy.
The Home Office has highlighted record numbers of illegal working raids under Labour’s tenure. The party has also launched advertisements in Reform UK’s distinctive turquoise, boasting a five-year high in migrant removals.
SNP MP Stephen Gethins argued that voters had expected significant change after the general election, but Labour is delivering “more of the same”. He claimed, “As the Tories move ever further right, dancing to Reform’s tune, Labour are in hot pursuit behind them.”
Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden also expressed concern, stating, “Investing £393m into a programme of deportation flights seems confused, and the fact they want to publicise the flights is even more concerning.”
“We need an efficient immigration system that works quickly for all involved, not more gimmicks. And filming deportations will only play into the culture wars which we have to move away from. Real people’s lives are involved here – this should not become reality TV.”
Caroline Voaden
As such, Labour’s £392m plan for deportation flights has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the party of mimicking Reform UK while others defend it as necessary immigration enforcement.
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