Lee Anderson demands Keir Starmer deport all illegal migrants

The House of Commons session on Wednesday became a theatre for sharp confrontations as Reform UK MP Lee Anderson challenged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to implement a total deportation policy for all illegal migrants. The exchange marked a heated moment during Prime Minister’s Questions, where border control, national security, and the government’s recently announced Defence Investment Plan took centre stage.

Mr. Anderson, representing Ashfield, utilised his platform to recount a specific criminal case involving an illegal migrant in his constituency. He told the House:

"One of these illegal migrants was a Pakistani national. He went on to rape a young girl, a vulnerable young girl, on a park in Ashfield. He’s now doing 14 years in prison. This was a monster allowed into this country by this awful Government. But if the Prime Minister is really serious about protecting young women and girls, does he agree with me and Reform UK that every single illegal migrant coming to this country should be detained, not allowed to claim asylum, and then deported?"

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In his rebuttal, Sir Keir Starmer defended his administration’s record, asserting that his government has successfully reduced net migration by 82% compared to the figures inherited from his predecessors. The Prime Minister noted that asylum decisions are being made at record levels, removals have increased by 41%, and the government is closing asylum hotels. He further claimed that his government has deported 70,000 people who lacked the legal right to remain in the country. Rather than focusing solely on the migration policy, Sir Keir pivoted the debate toward the Reform UK leadership, questioning the transparency of funding behind party leader Nigel Farage, specifically referencing a £5 billion gift from a crypto billionaire and outside earnings from selling gold bullion.

Defence Funding and Political Transition

The broader session was significantly defined by the unveiling of the Defence Investment Plan. The policy promises an investment of £298 billion over the next four years, intended to modernise military capabilities. The package includes £47 billion allocated for the nuclear deterrent, including £13 billion for warheads, £1.7 billion for nuclear fuels, and £290 million for specialist training on nuclear submarines, alongside funding for drone technology and special forces. However, the announcement has prompted criticism regarding a £4.7 billion funding shortfall. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described the situation as a total dereliction of duty during the session, questioning whether the expected incoming prime minister, Andy Burnham, had been made aware of the financial gap.

Government ministers, including Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, have defended the plan as a necessary step to address growing global threats. The Treasury has indicated that the remaining funding requirements will be addressed in the upcoming budget. Downing Street officials maintained that the government has adopted a credible funding approach by reprioritising existing departmental budgets to secure £10.3 billion of the package, while the Prime Minister’s spokesman stated that there would be no impact on funding for frontline NHS services.

Legislative and Social Tensions

Beyond migration and defence, the session touched upon critical social issues. Michelle Welsh, the government's first national maternity adviser, pressed the Prime Minister on systemic failures within maternity care, calling for the implementation of the Hillsborough Law. This proposed legislation seeks to mandate truthfulness and transparency for public officials during official inquiries. Sir Keir committed to delivering the recommendations of Baroness Valerie Amos and the previous Ockenden review.

Simultaneously, Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey raised concerns regarding the rise of racist rhetoric in the country. He recounted an incident in which a British family of Indian descent was reportedly threatened with the revocation of their citizenship by activists. Sir Keir condemned the incident, stating that such intolerance threatens the fabric of society and keeps qualified individuals from participating in the political process.

Furthermore, at the start of the session, the Prime Minister announced that the UK will match public donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee's appeal to provide humanitarian aid to Venezuela, up to £2 million, in addition to an existing £2 million of initial support provided in the aftermath of two earthquakes.

What to Watch Next

• Leadership Transition: Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to step down. If no challengers emerge for the Labour leadership, Andy Burnham is expected to become Prime Minister as early as 20 July 2026.
• Budgetary Decisions: The government has committed to addressing the £4.7 billion defence funding gap during the 2026 Budget.
• Infrastructure Review: Detailed plans regarding potential cuts to transport and energy projects, including the A38 Derby junctions and A46 Newark Bypass, are scheduled for release by the autumn.