Menu
27/08/2007
Lib Dems Call For 'Selective Amnesty'
The Liberal Democrats have called for illegal immigrants in Britain to be given the chance to 'earn' full British citizenship.
The party's home affairs spokesperson, Nick Clegg, said that such a 'selective amnesty' was the only way to deal with long-term residents who had entered the country illegally.
The plans, which will be debated at the Liberal Democrats' annual conference next month, would recommend allowing immigrants with no criminal record who had lived in Britain for a decade and could demonstrate a long-term commitment to the country to apply for permanent residence.
Those wishing to apply would have to fulfill a series of conditions, including being able to speak English and passing a public interest test.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Mr Clegg said that the proposal would help to prevent immigrants living and working in "this kind of twilight world of illegality".
It is estimated that there are between 300,000 and 600,000 illegal immigrants living in Britain, although some estimates put the figure closer to 900,000.
Last month, a report by the Institute of Public Policy Research suggested that an amnesty on illegal immigrants could save nearly £5 billion in costs to deport people, as well as bring in an extra £1 billion in additional taxes.
However, the Home Office has rejected calls for such an amnesty.
The Conservatives have attacked the Liberal Democrats plans. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said that it would encourage immigrants to come to the UK illegally and would be unfair to those who have tried to enter the country legally.
(KMcA)
The party's home affairs spokesperson, Nick Clegg, said that such a 'selective amnesty' was the only way to deal with long-term residents who had entered the country illegally.
The plans, which will be debated at the Liberal Democrats' annual conference next month, would recommend allowing immigrants with no criminal record who had lived in Britain for a decade and could demonstrate a long-term commitment to the country to apply for permanent residence.
Those wishing to apply would have to fulfill a series of conditions, including being able to speak English and passing a public interest test.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Mr Clegg said that the proposal would help to prevent immigrants living and working in "this kind of twilight world of illegality".
It is estimated that there are between 300,000 and 600,000 illegal immigrants living in Britain, although some estimates put the figure closer to 900,000.
Last month, a report by the Institute of Public Policy Research suggested that an amnesty on illegal immigrants could save nearly £5 billion in costs to deport people, as well as bring in an extra £1 billion in additional taxes.
However, the Home Office has rejected calls for such an amnesty.
The Conservatives have attacked the Liberal Democrats plans. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said that it would encourage immigrants to come to the UK illegally and would be unfair to those who have tried to enter the country legally.
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2005
Government reveals illegal immigrant figures
There are around 430,000 illegal immigrants living in the UK, the Home Office has reported, although the number could be as high as 570,000. According to the report, the Home Office estimated that the number of illegal immigrants living in Britain was somewhere between 310,000 and 570,000. The central estimate of 430,000 is the equivalent of 0.
Government reveals illegal immigrant figures
There are around 430,000 illegal immigrants living in the UK, the Home Office has reported, although the number could be as high as 570,000. According to the report, the Home Office estimated that the number of illegal immigrants living in Britain was somewhere between 310,000 and 570,000. The central estimate of 430,000 is the equivalent of 0.
22 October 2013
Home Office Not To Extend 'Go Home' Advertising Van
The Home Office has ruled out extending its controversial "go home" advertising vans to the rest of the UK.
Home Office Not To Extend 'Go Home' Advertising Van
The Home Office has ruled out extending its controversial "go home" advertising vans to the rest of the UK.
21 May 2015
Suspected Illegal Immigrants Found Hiding In Car Boots
A number of suspected illegal immigrants have been found hiding in the boots of new imported Maserati sports cars. It is understood the cars were being carried on a car transporter through Egham. At 1pm on Wednesday, police were called to the Egham bypass. Surrey Police found 10 people hidden inside the car boots.
Suspected Illegal Immigrants Found Hiding In Car Boots
A number of suspected illegal immigrants have been found hiding in the boots of new imported Maserati sports cars. It is understood the cars were being carried on a car transporter through Egham. At 1pm on Wednesday, police were called to the Egham bypass. Surrey Police found 10 people hidden inside the car boots.
18 March 2009
Investigation After Illegal Immigrants Found In Lorry
A police has been launched by the UK Border Agency after 26 suspected illegal immigrants were found on a lorrybound for south Wales. Gwent Police were called to a distribution centre in Chepstow in Monmouthshire after the driver of an Asda lorry raised the alarm.
Investigation After Illegal Immigrants Found In Lorry
A police has been launched by the UK Border Agency after 26 suspected illegal immigrants were found on a lorrybound for south Wales. Gwent Police were called to a distribution centre in Chepstow in Monmouthshire after the driver of an Asda lorry raised the alarm.
18 October 2013
Complaints Lodged Over Home Office Illegal Immigrants Texts
More than 140 complaints have been made against the Home Office over text messages were sent wrongly accusing the recipients of being illegal immigrants. According to reports some 40,000 people have received the Home Office text message accusing them of not having the right to live in the UK.
Complaints Lodged Over Home Office Illegal Immigrants Texts
More than 140 complaints have been made against the Home Office over text messages were sent wrongly accusing the recipients of being illegal immigrants. According to reports some 40,000 people have received the Home Office text message accusing them of not having the right to live in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
