Wed, 29 Oct 2025

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 Crackdown sees increase in arrests for illegal working

The home secretary speaks to the BBC while overseeing a police operation in south London aimed at tackling illegal working.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has acknowledged that the Home Office "is not yet fit for purpose" due to its failure to meet the challenges it has faced over several years. She cited a range of problems, including procuring contracts and holding on to senior staff. Despite these issues, Mahmood expressed determination to deliver and improve the department's performance. She also highlighted the success of the crackdown on illegal working, with 8,232 people arrested in the past year, a rise of 63%. However, she acknowledged that more needs to be done, and numbers are still not where she wants them to be. Regarding asylum seekers, Mahmood confirmed plans to move some migrants to accommodation at army barracks in Inverness and East Sussex by the end of the year. She also stated that all options are on the table for breaking contracts with companies providing hotels to accommodate asylum seekers. The Home Office has faced intense pressure over various issues, including the grooming gangs inquiry, small boats crossings, and mistakes made in the handling of convicted offender Hadush Kebatu. Mahmood has vowed to work with the new top civil servant in the department to address these problems.
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