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Tapp defended the government’s record on deportations and immigration enforcement, insisting that voluntary returns save taxpayers money – and that foreign national offenders “must be removed.” “We can’t allow violent criminals and sexual offenders to stay in the country.” – Mike Tapp, Migration Minister Speaking to Channel 4 News, he said: “It’s cheaper to the taxpayer to get these people out voluntarily than enforced removal.” During an interview with presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy, he responded to recent cases involving failed asylum seekers convicted of serious crimes. “We can’t allow violent criminals and sexual offenders to stay in the country,” Tapp said. “We’ve got your biometrics. You’ll be picked up and you’ll be deported.” – Mike Tapp, Migration Minister “So, deporting them, in my view, is the right thing to do.” Asked about criticism that the system has failed to monitor people with violent histories or mental health problems, he said: “It’s important that a package is put around people to ensure that they’re not a risk.” He also defended the government’s one in, one out agreement with France, despite reports that deported asylum seekers were trying to return. “To those that are looking to come back, don’t bother. We’ve got your biometrics. You’ll be picked up and you’ll be deported,” he said He also said that the number of foreign national offenders being removed was up by 14%. “We’re moving migrants out of hotels. It was a mess we inherited,” he said. Pressed on when the Home Office would finally be “fit for purpose,” Tapp said: “I can’t put a time frame on when things will improve further.”
