Former UK Border Force chief calls for swift deportation of illegal immigrants

Tony Smith, former director general of the UK’s Border Force, has urged for the swift deportation of illegal immigrants following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to abandon the controversial Rwanda Plan.

Speaking at a Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Smith criticized the scrapping of the plan, which aimed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, calling it “an imperfect but bold attempt” to disrupt human trafficking.

Smith, who led border operations until 2013 and has extensive experience in immigration enforcement, emphasized the need for strict measures against undocumented migrants.

“They must know they will be caught, detained, and removed swiftly,” he stated.

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His comments drew a sharp response from Shadow Immigration Minister Paul Holmes, who defended the UK’s history of legal immigration and criticized Labour’s approach to border security, claiming it has catered to criminal gangs without presenting a viable plan.

Holmes asserted that the UK has a long-standing commitment to providing refuge for those fleeing conflict and persecution.