Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford, today (12 March) spoke during Prime Minister’s Questions, reaffirming Labour’s commitment to smashing the gangs and taking back control of our borders.
To date the new government has:
- Deported almost 3,000 foreign national offenders since July 2024: a 21% increase on last year.
- Removed more than 19,000 migrants from the UK since July 2024, including failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and immigration offenders. That’s a 24% increase on the last year under the previous government – and the highest rate of migrant removals since 2018.
Speaking in a packed chamber today, Shaun Davies MP raised with the Prime Minister the Conservatives’ continued pursuit of the failed Rwanda policy, stating:
“This week, we saw the bizarre spectacle of the Conservatives attempting to resurrect the Rwanda policy – clinging to a gimmick that has already cost the British taxpayer £700 million, only to remove just four volunteers.
“As Labour works to secure our borders through our Plan for Change, does the Prime Minister agree with me that it is clear the party opposite has learned absolutely nothing?”
The Prime Minister agreed, stating that the opposition had conducted an open-borders experiment that led to numbers reaching one million, costing taxpayers £700 million, and resulting in the removal of just four volunteers. He went onto add that in contrast, this government has already deported over 19,000 migrants who had no right to remain by successfully organising flights—demonstrating the government’s commitment to fixing their failures.
The Government’s Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill introduces tough new measures to combat people smuggling. Criminal gangs will face counterterror-style tactics, and law enforcement will gain new powers to seize electronic devices. The Bill also criminalises selling or handling small boat parts for Channel crossings, with sentences of up to 14 years.
Speaking after PMQs Shaun Davies MP added:
“Time and time again, people in my constituency raise concerns with me about securing our borders and fixing the immigration system. They want action. I know how big this issue is for Telford residents – control at the border is a basic function of a country. After 14 years of disorder and gimmicks, I’m pushing the government for order and action. Taking back control won’t happen overnight after years of Conservative failure, but this Labour government is serious about delivering real, effective border security.”
Shaun Davies MP has spoken over 60 times in Parliament in just eight months—which is as many times as Telford’s previous MP did in 3.5 years—demonstrating his commitment to standing up for Telford and ensuring local voices are heard at the highest level. This includes a 2nd reading debate of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (clip here).
For more details on the Governments Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill please visit: Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025 – GOV.UK
