Labour MPs Want Stricter Immigration As Reform UK Grows

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Labour MPs have formed a coalition to urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to adopt a stronger stance on immigration amid growing concerns over Reform UK’s increasing popularity.

A significant number of Labour MPs representing the 89 constituencies where Reform secured second place in the July general election have established a pressure group. Their primary objective is to convince the government to implement stricter immigration policies, as reported by the Guardian newspaper.

A member of the pressure group expressed their concerns, stating: “There is a major focus now on how to beat Reform. Various groups have been set up and we have been talking to Downing Street about what works. One of our main messages to the leadership is we need to do more on illegal migration especially.”

Starmer’s Labour voted 134 times in the last Parliament against measures to combat illegal immigration – including against longer sentences for the gangs they say they want to smash pic.twitter.com/t39TH5KTej

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— Chris Philp MP (@CPhilpOfficial) December 2, 2024

The Labour government’s promise to address the Channel migration crisis has fallen short, with over 23,000 unauthorized migrants reaching British shores in their first six months of power – a 29% increase compared to the previous year.

Another participating MP has called for increased publicity regarding the government’s immigration enforcement efforts, highlighting the deportation of 13,500 migrants since taking office. However, this figure appears modest when compared to the estimated one million undocumented immigrants currently residing in Britain and the number of Channel crossings recorded last year.

Starmer’s administration has focused its strategy on targeting human trafficking networks operating across the Channel. They are reportedly preparing legislation to criminalize the provision and handling of small boats used for illegal crossings. However, the government has rejected proposals to implement a direct return policy for migrant boats to France, a measure that Reform and Nigel Farage have long advocated for, citing Australia’s successful Operation Sovereign Borders as a precedent.

🛑 A LEGALLY BINDING, HARD CAP on immigration – just STOP giving out visas

Under Kemi Badenoch's new leadership, there is a new approach on immigration

📻 @bbcradio4 earlier today with @bbcnickrobinson pic.twitter.com/gAnA0Z3KRJ

— Chris Philp MP (@CPhilpOfficial) February 6, 2025

The government’s perceived ineffectiveness in managing immigration, combined with ongoing economic challenges, has significantly boosted Reform’s popularity. The party, which secured 14% of votes in July’s election, has experienced a remarkable surge in recent polls. A YouGov survey revealed Reform leading with 25% support, surpassing Labour at 24% and the Conservatives at 21%.

Responding to these developments, Mr Farage took to X, stating: “The Labour Party are panicked. And so they should be.”