Reform UK MP Richard Tice has dismissed Labour's recent illegal worker arrest figures as "a pathetic drop in the ocean" despite record numbers being detained last month.
Speaking to GB News, Tice acknowledged the Home Office's increased transparency but remained critical of the enforcement efforts.
The Reform MP's comments come as Labour faces mounting pressure over its border security strategy.
New figures reveal that 609 illegal workers were arrested during 828 workplace raids across the UK in January, marking the highest monthly total since records began in 2019.
The Reform MP's comments come as Labour faces mounting pressure over its border security strategy
GB News
Speaking to GB News, he said: "Credit where credit's due, the Home Office is quite right to have a bit more transparency and to show the British people that actually they're getting on with the job that they're paid to do, which is to deport people who are here illegally.
"I mean, these numbers of 19,000, supposedly since the election, is still less than the Labour Party were deporting some 15 years ago in the late 2000s.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
"The other data that came out today about their proudly saying they've arrested 600 illegal workers in the month of January. That's 20 a day.
"I mean, it's a pathetic drop in the ocean. What they should continue to do now, though, is show more transparency by saying, where are they from? Where are they going back to? Who are they? Which countries have people come that have been arrested? Continue that transparency.
He added: "They're terrified of Reform UK. It's obvious. We were hearing that a lot of people don't believe you talk about. I was in Boston, Skegness, a couple of days ago, as you know, on Brexit day.
"People I was speaking too just don't believe that the government is clamping down. The previous government as well.
Each offender was escorted by four security personnel as they were taken up the stepHome OfficeHe added: "I think, the Home Office needs to go and accelerate the programme because frankly, arresting 600 illegal workers in one month is a drop in the ocean.
"It's absolutely irrelevant. I could order 50 fast food deliveries in one day and get at least 20 illegal workers delivering that food to me."
The Home Secretary outlined that Labour's "Plan for Change" includes "boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs."
French officials have previously linked Britain's black economy to the ongoing small-boat crisis.
The crackdown forms part of a broader enforcement surge since Labour took power in July, with 3,930 arrests made across 5,424 visits by immigration enforcement officers.
Officials believe criminal gangs are luring migrants with false promises about UK work prospects.
Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement, compliance and crime, said the figures demonstrate their commitment to tackling those who "flout our immigration system."
A raid on vape shops in Cheshire led to ten immigration arrests, while an Indian restaurant in Humberside saw seven arrests.
A grocery warehouse operation in south London resulted in six arrests and four detentions.
You may like
