Overview

• The UK government will release its first official breakdown of crimes committed by foreign nationals awaiting deportation, with data expected to include offence types and nationalities such as Albanians, Romanians, and Poles.
• Home Secretary Yvette Cooper overruled officials who expressed concerns about data quality, insisting on publication by the end of 2025.
• As of the end of 2024, 19,244 foreign offenders were awaiting deportation, up from 17,907 in mid-2024, reflecting challenges like prison overcrowding, legal appeals, and diplomatic delays.
• Labour has deported 3,594 foreign criminals since taking office, a 16% year-on-year increase, and introduced measures like electronic tagging and curfews for those awaiting removal.
• Ministers hope the data will aid law enforcement in targeting organized crime and strengthen negotiations for bilateral deportation agreements.