The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is moving forward with a controversial plan to grant amnesty to over 44,000 illegal migrants. This policy shift, which ends the practice of deporting illegal migrants to third-party countries like Rwanda, will allow them to remain in the UK and access welfare benefits.
An internal assessment by the Home Office has raised alarms about the long-term costs associated with this decision. The report estimates that integrating these migrants into the welfare system could cost British taxpayers up to £17.8 billion. This figure sharply contrasts with the £7 billion savings that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claims will result from ending the deportation scheme.
Critics of the policy argue that it will place an overwhelming burden on public services already under strain. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has warned that the influx of migrants will exacerbate issues such as long waiting times for GP appointments, a shortage of social housing, and overcrowded schools. He also accused Starmer of capitulating to people-smuggling gangs, leaving British taxpayers to bear the financial burden of his decisions.
Despite these concerns, the Labour Party defends the amnesty as a more humane and cost-effective solution in the long run. However, with more than 20,000 illegal migrants already crossing the English Channel this year, the true impact of this policy on the UK’s public services remains a contentious issue.
