Government to target nail bars and car washes in immigration crackdown
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced that nail bars and car washes will be targeted by immigration officers this summer as they increase enforcement action. This comes as part of the new “returns and enforcement programme” which will be staffed by 1,000 civil servants previously working on the now-abandoned Rwanda scheme.
In an article for the Sun on Sunday, Cooper stated that the programme aims to “increase returns of those with no right to be here and to make sure rules are respected and enforced.” This includes ramping up raids on businesses suspected of employing illegal workers.
Border security has been a top priority for the Labour government, and they have already taken steps to establish the Border Security Command promised in their manifesto. At the recent European Political Community summit, Sir Keir Starmer discussed migration with European leaders and hinted at the possibility of offshore processing for migrants.
However, Sir Keir faced criticism for scrapping the Rwanda scheme on his first day in office. Opponents argued that it provided a necessary deterrent to those attempting to make the dangerous crossing.
In other news from Westminster, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a new “urgent review” of the pensions market. In an article for the Mail on Sunday, Reeves stated that the current system is not delivering the retirement savings it should be and is not supporting British businesses. She aims to “deliver a better return for savers and ensure successful businesses can get the funding they need to grow, invest, and spread prosperity across the UK.”
The government also announced last week a new Pensions Schemes Bill as part of their first package of proposed laws. This bill seeks to encourage consolidation of smaller pension schemes and broaden investment strategies.
Reeves stated, “The review we are announcing is the latest in a ‘big bang’ of reforms to unlock growth, boost investment, and deliver savings for pensioners. I am determined to fix the foundations of our economy.”
Tune in to Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips at 8:30am as he speaks to Treasury Minister James Murray and Tees Valley Mayor Lord Houchen about these developments.
