The removal of foreign criminals, immigration offenders and people with no legal right to be in Britain has reportedly reached its highest level since 2016, with more than 80,000 returns since Labour came to power. Returns are said to be up 52 per cent compared with the equivalent two-year period before the 2024 General Election.
Farage calls for tougher action
Nigel Farage has welcomed the figures but insists the Government needs to go much further. He said: "If you have no right to be here, you should be removed. If you come to Britain and repay our hospitality by committing serious crimes, I have zero sympathy for you."
He highlighted the case of Hendrix Ekwen, an Italian national convicted of raping a woman who was drunk, unconscious and vulnerable in Britain. At his criminal trial, Ekwen was found to have demonstrated a sense of sexual entitlement and attempted to place responsibility for the rape on his victim.
Case of convicted rapist sparks outrage
Ekwen has now succeeded in an immigration case allowing him to remain in Britain after eventually accepting responsibility for what he did, nine years after the attack. Among the things he told the tribunal was that he would never wish such an experience upon his sisters.
Farage questioned why the rights of victims seem to be overlooked. He said: "Where are her human rights? Where is her right to feel safe knowing the man who raped her has been kicked out of her country?"
He noted that Italy is a safe, democratic European country and that being an EU citizen doesn't automatically protect someone from deportation. "The Government deserves credit for increasing removals, but now it needs to tackle the legal maze that allows cases like this to happen," he added.
Andrew urged to cooperate with US lawmakers
Farage also commented on Andrew, formerly known as Prince, who has reportedly been enjoying himself in the South of France. According to royal biographer Andrew Lownie, Andrew was spotted wearing a red baseball cap, white trousers, Timberland shoes and Ray-Bans, accompanied by two women in their forties.
US lawmakers have called for Andrew to cooperate with a congressional committee examining Jeffrey Epstein and his associates. Farage said: "Cooperating with investigators is not the same thing as admitting guilt. If he genuinely has nothing to hide, surely answering questions is the best way to demonstrate it?"
Harry and Meghan set to return
Reports suggest Harry and Meghan are heading back to Britain. Farage said he got half of his prediction right, as he had thought Harry would return without Meghan. He welcomed the move, saying: "Harry is from these shores and has every right to live here with his wife and children."
Farage also praised British horticulture, noting that Aldi has already sold more than 100 million British-grown flower stems this year, with demand up 10 per cent. The supermarket expects to sell 108.5 million by the end of 2026, while sales of its Truly British bouquet are up 51 per cent.
