Foreign nationals convicted in British courts will face immediate deportation under new legislation announced by the government.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the move was part of “radical action” to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons and reduce costs to the public purse.
At present, offenders with no right to remain in the UK can be removed after serving half of their sentence. This threshold is due to fall to 30 percent next month following recommendations from the Independent Sentencing Review. Under the latest changes, foreign offenders will be deported as soon as they are sentenced.
“Our message is clear,” Mahmood said. “If you abuse our hospitality and break our laws, we will send you packing.”
Foreign offenders account for about one in eight inmates in England and Wales. Government estimates suggest the reforms could save taxpayers around £54,000 per year for each prison place freed.
The new rules will apply to prisoners serving fixed term sentences, both current inmates and those yet to be sentenced.
Authorities will retain discretion to keep some individuals in custody, for example if there is evidence they might commit further offences against the UK or pose a national security risk. Those serving life terms will still be required to complete their sentences before deportation.
Mahmood said deportations had already risen under the current administration and would now “happen earlier than ever before”.
The move comes amid an acute capacity crisis in prisons. Official figures have revealed just how little space remains in the system, forcing ministers to consider measures that would once have been seen as politically risky.
Critics are likely to raise questions over the practicalities of securing deportations, particularly where offenders face potential danger in their countries of origin or where diplomatic agreements are lacking.
