Robert Jenrick has voiced intense reservations regarding the government’s proposed release of data concerning crime committed by migrants. He describes the forthcoming statistics as a significantly diminished version of his long-standing advocacy efforts.
During an interview on GB News, the Shadow Justice Secretary expressed considerable disappointment with the Home Office’s announcement to publish figures detailing offenses perpetrated by foreign nationals, broken down by nationality, visa status, and asylum claims. “For over a year,” he stated, “I’ve been steadfast in my demand for complete openness – specifically, the release of comprehensive data on all individuals within our country who are not British citizens and involved in criminal activity.”
Jenrick emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the impact of sustained immigration on both national communities and the overall well-being of Britons. He argued for proactive measures to adjust the immigration system, prioritizing the safety and security of the British population.
“While this development represents a step forward,” he conceded, “it appears to be a considerably weakened iteration of my campaign and the legislative changes I’ve been pursuing – alterations that were actively sought over the past year.”
He further asserted that the proposed data release would fail to fully illuminate the circumstances of individuals residing in the country who are not British nationals and engaged in criminal behavior. “The available evidence,” he maintained, “clearly demonstrates substantial disparities in crime rates among different nationalities.” Specifically, he cited indicative data suggesting that Afghan or Eritrean migrants were 20 times more likely to be involved in sexual offenses compared to British citizens, with foreigners as a whole exhibiting a 71 percent higher propensity for such crimes.
“The kind of granular information we’re seeking—data readily accessible through freedom of information requests—reveals significant inequalities in criminal involvement based on nationality,” Jenrick explained. He then highlighted examples such as the connection between Albanian nationals and organized crime, particularly drug trafficking within the UK, emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny of visa approvals when evidence suggests a heightened risk.
Jenrick alleged a deliberate concealment of critical information, characterizing it as a “conspiracy of silence” within government circles. He expressed concern about the withholding of what he termed the “full unalloyed truth” from the public.
Recent figures indicate that 19,244 foreign offenders were awaiting deportation at the close of 2024 – a rise from 17,907 when the Conservative administration was in power. This figure represents a considerable increase compared to 14,640 at the end of 2022. Despite this upward trend, Labour has reportedly deported 3,594 offenders during their initial nine months in office, marking a 16 percent increase in deportations when measured against the same period in the previous year.
A representative from the Home Office countered these figures, stating: “Any foreign national who exploits our country’s generosity and commits serious offenses should be unequivocally aware that they will face severe legal consequences and immediate removal.”
