Convicted People Smuggler Living in UK Should Face Deportation, Tories Insist
A man previously described as the “godfather” of the Calais migrant camps has reportedly been located living in Leicestershire, UK, where he is said to be attempting to claim asylum while working illegally. Conservative politicians have called for his arrest and deportation.
The individual, who changed his name from Twana Jamal, was identified by the BBC. He was convicted in France in 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison for people smuggling. French prosecutors stated he earned up to £100,000 weekly by facilitating illegal crossings across the English Channel.
This case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the UK’s immigration and deportation systems. It follows another incident where a legal loophole reportedly allowed a foreign criminal to remain in the country after serving a prison sentence.
Political Reactions and Calls for Action
Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, spoke on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, expressing criticism of the current system.
“This shines a light on a system that is not working. People are entering our country illegally in large numbers, and we really don’t know who many of them are. The man who was tracked down in Leicestershire should be arrested by the police for illegal working while the authorities should render any claims by him as null and void.”
Philp further stated that under a Conservative government, the man would be deported but acknowledged that human rights claims could complicate such efforts.
“However, if we try and do that it is likely he will make a human rights claim,”
Jacqui Smith, the skills minister, confirmed that the Home Office had contacted the BBC and was seeking the necessary evidence to take appropriate action.
“I am not sure that has fully happened but I am sure that is what the Home Office would want to see happen.”
Challenges in Immigration Enforcement
The BBC investigation reportedly identified more than 20 active smugglers who had reached the UK. Immigration officials noted that since the UK’s departure from the EU, it has become more difficult to verify criminal records from certain countries.
A Home Office spokesperson responded to the BBC’s claims, stating that despite repeated requests, the broadcaster had not provided evidence sufficient to substantiate the report.
“All asylum claimants are subject to mandatory security checks to confirm their identity for the purpose of immigration, security and criminality checks. We also have a number of agreements with countries which enable the sharing of criminal record information.
Immigration enforcement action is at the highest level in British history, with illegal working arrests up by 83% and raids up by 77%.”
Related Case: Rochdale Grooming Gang Leader’s Release and Deportation Issues
In a related matter, it was reported that survivors of the Rochdale grooming gang had been informed that the gang’s ringleader was due to be released from prison and could not be deported.
Shabir Ahmed, aged 73 and known to his victims as “Daddy,” was convicted in 2012 of multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls.
Ahmed held dual British-Pakistani citizenship and was stripped of his British citizenship following his conviction. However, documents apparently sent by the Probation Service to one of his victims indicate that he cannot be deported to Pakistan due to provisions in the Immigration Act 1971.
