The Labour Government has been accused of a 'cover-up' after the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) moved to block the release of data on foreign national crime rates in England and Wales between 2018 and 2024. Critics, including Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy and Reform UK's Robert Jenrick, have condemned the attempt to overturn a ruling by the Information Commissioner that the data should be published.
Freedom of Information Request Rejected
The Centre for Migration Control (CMC) think tank submitted a Freedom of Information request seeking a breakdown of convictions by nationality and offence type over the seven-year period. The Information Commissioner initially ruled in favor of disclosure, but the MoJ appealed, citing disproportionate costs and privacy risks. The Commissioner rejected the cost argument, stating that 'complexity alone does not obviate the requirement to provide a properly evidenced estimate.' He also suggested that the MoJ could avoid identifying individuals by removing offences with fewer than five convictions.
Political Reaction
Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy accused Labour of a 'cover-up,' telling The Telegraph: 'Labour have consistently refused to publish sex crime data by nationality, even though we know migrants from some countries are much more likely to be convicted of rape and sexual assault. Why are they trying to appeal against releasing the data? Do Labour just want to cover up the truth about foreign national offenders?'
Reform UK's Robert Jenrick also criticized the Government, posting on X: 'A Reform UK government would blow the lid on what's really happening and begin deporting these dangerous criminals.'
Existing Data and Request Details
Previously released MoJ data showed that foreign nationals accounted for just over 14% of sexual offence convictions in the last year, but without a breakdown by individual crimes. The rejected FOI request sought data categorized by specific offences, including rapes, grooming, child sex abuse, murders, manslaughters, and grievous bodily harm.
Government Response
An MoJ spokesperson said: 'We are in the process of appealing the Independent Complaints Office’s decision and we do not comment on live legal proceedings.' The appeal continues as political pressure mounts over transparency and public safety.
