Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps the Government has taken to reduce illegal immigration since 2010.

The Government is committed to reducing illegal immigration. Since 2010 we have completely reformed the immigration system, cutting abuse whilst focusing on attracting the brightest and the best.

We are tackling illegal immigration by making it harder for those who do not qualify under the Immigration Rules to live here illegally, including through measures introduced in the Immigration Acts 2014 and 2016. We have taken action against over 1,000 colleges to prevent the admission of non-genuine students into the country. We continue to take enforcement action against employers who employ illegal workers; applying civil penalties, intervening with licensing authorities to withdraw licences, and closing their business premises where necessary.

In addition, we have pursued an ambitious programme of reform at the border, included investment in new technology in the United Kingdom and at our juxtaposed controls to keep this country safe, with Border Force transforming its working practices, command and control and leadership. These reforms are working and border security has been enhanced.