The Labour Party’s decision to grant amnesty to over 44,000 illegal migrants has sparked widespread concern over the potential impact on Britain’s welfare system and taxpayers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government plans to end the deportation of illegal migrants to third-party countries like Rwanda, allowing them to remain in the UK and access welfare benefits.
An internal assessment from the Home Office suggests that this policy could result in a long-term cost of up to £17.8 billion, far exceeding the £7 billion in savings projected by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper from ending the deportation scheme. Critics argue that this decision will disproportionately affect British taxpayers, who will be left to cover the cost of integrating these migrants into the welfare system.
Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick has voiced concerns that the amnesty will exacerbate existing challenges within public services, including long waiting times for GP appointments, a shortage of social housing, and overcrowded schools. Jenrick accused Starmer of surrendering to people-smuggling gangs and placing the financial burden on British citizens.
Labour defends the amnesty, claiming it will prevent even higher costs by avoiding the need for indefinite detention and expensive asylum accommodations. However, with more than 20,000 illegal migrants already crossing the English Channel this year, the debate over the long-term impact of Labour’s policy continues to intensify.
