Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shared that the UK is talking with other countries to build special centers called “return hubs.” These hubs will help send back people who have been denied asylum in the UK more quickly and smoothly.
While visiting Albania, Starmer spoke to GB News and explained that return hubs could help return people who have gone through the UK’s asylum system but were told they cannot stay. The government is currently discussing this plan with potential partner countries.
This idea comes at a time when the Labour government is facing pressure to reduce illegal immigration. More people are arriving in the UK, especially by crossing the English Channel in small boats.
Immigration has become a hot topic in UK politics, especially as the anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, is gaining more support from voters who are unhappy with current policies.
Starmer’s trip to Albania was mainly about improving cooperation on migration and making borders stronger. Albania is one of the main countries from where many migrants come to the UK.
Last year, Labour got rid of the plan created by the previous Conservative government that would send undocumented migrants to Rwanda.
Instead of the Rwanda plan, Labour has made new immigration rules. These include reducing overseas care worker numbers, increasing the wait time before migrants can settle in the UK, and giving more power to deport foreign criminals.
Many voters are concerned about immigration. Labour’s recent actions are seen as an attempt to show they are serious about controlling borders, especially after Reform UK gained votes in local elections this month.
Labour said it would cut net migration during the general election campaign. In the 12 months up to June 2024, the number was 728,000. That’s down from the record of 906,000 in 2023, but still far above the average of 200,000 seen in the 2010s.
Even though legal migration is high, the UK also sees record numbers of people arriving illegally. So far this year, more than 12,500 migrants have crossed the Channel, according to the Home Office.
Starmer has not yet said which countries might host these return hubs. Discussions are ongoing, and more information will be shared later.
