Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum Seekers: Recorded Crime

Monday 23 March 2026 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Edward Leigh asked about the potential impact of asylum seekers on crime levels, and the response noted the lack of data under the previous government and a new programme for improved data collection.
  • Edward Leigh also asked for assurances on detaining and deporting individuals entering the country illegally, and the response highlighted the government's focus on managing high-risk individuals through a risk-based approach.
  • Chris Philp mentioned the case of Rhiannon Whyte, murdered by an illegal immigrant who arrived via small boat, and noted an increase in such crossings since the election. The Home Secretary acknowledged the abhorrent nature of the crime and stated that the perpetrator is in custody.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Asylum & Refugees Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP raised concerns about the lack of data on immigration status and crime under previous governments.

Question

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the number of asylum seekers on levels of recorded crime?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

As the right hon. Gentleman may know, data on immigration status and crime was not recorded under the last Government. We have a new programme that will improve data collection, and we have strong local relationships with police and local authorities to ensure that the full force of the law will apply to anyone breaking our laws.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific impact of asylum seekers on crime levels

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Q2 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Immigration Justice & Courts
Context

The MP expressed worry about people entering the country illegally, committing crimes without proper vetting.

Question

To reassure our own citizens, will she ensure that everybody who enters this country illegally is detained and fully vetted, and, as most of their asylum claims are bogus anyway, perhaps deal with their asylum claims while they are in detention and then deport them to protect our own people?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

I recognise the public concern around criminality. That is why this Government are working closely with all our partners to improve data collection and have a risk-based approach so that we can manage those individuals who pose the highest risk on our immigration estate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for detaining and vetting illegal entrants

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Q3 Chris Murray Lab Edinburgh East and Musselburgh
Immigration Justice & Courts
Context

The MP noted the increase in removals of foreign national offenders under this government, compared to previous ones.

Question

That is why it is good to see that removals of foreign national offenders have gone up 40% from what was left under the previous Government. The way we deal with crime in communities is by reinvigorating neighbourhood policing and supporting our police. Does the Home Secretary agree that those are two areas where this Home Office is clearing up the mess left behind by the previous Government?

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

My hon. Friend is right. It is one of many areas where we are cleaning up the multiple messes left by the previous Conservative Government. He is right to note that the removal of foreign national offenders has increased hugely under this Government and will continue to do so.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q4 Chris Philp Con Croydon South
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The MP cited a specific case where an illegal immigrant was responsible for a murder, questioning why the Rwanda removal scheme was cancelled.

Question

I recently met Siobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon. Rhiannon was brutally murdered by Sudanese illegal immigrant Deng Majek, who stabbed Rhiannon 23 times. Majek arrived by small boat in late July 2024. As the Home Secretary will know, small boat crossings since the election have gone up by 45%. Majek would have been among the first eligible for removal to Rwanda, so Siobhan wants me to ask the Home Secretary this: why did the Government cancel the Rwanda scheme just before it was due to start? If Majek had been removed to Rwanda, Rhiannon would still be alive today.

Answer from Shabana Mahmood

Let me say, first and foremost, that the murder of Rhiannon Whyte was an abhorrent, horrifying crime and our thoughts, and I know those of the whole House, are with her loved ones. The vile criminal responsible for her murder is behind bars where he belongs, and he has rightly received the strictest punishment of a life sentence.

Not addressed: Reasons for cancelling Rwanda scheme

How: Play Politics With Personal Tragedy, Government Policy

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