Unpacking the Myths: Are UK Immigration Pledges Being Met?

The UK government, under the leadership of the prime minister and with opposition from Labour’s Sir Keir Starmer, has prioritized tackling illegal immigration and addressing issues within the asylum system. This urgency comes as record levels of small boat crossings continue, with about 800 migrants arriving in just one day. In its recent analysis, BBC Verify scrutinizes key government promises, such as the commitment to end the use of asylum hotels and increase the returns of failed asylum seekers.

Labour’s proposal to eliminate asylum hotels — aiming to save billions for taxpayers — parallels the government’s goal to fulfill this by the end of the current Parliament, ideally by 2029. Yet, by the end of December, the number of hotels housing asylum seekers had risen from 212 to 218, accommodating approximately 38,000 individuals. This increased reliance on hotels raises questions about costs, which amounted to £8 million per day for 2023-24.

The surge in small boat arrivals has reached around 12,699 since the start of May, a 33% increase from the previous year. The government intends to interrupt people-smuggling gangs, but lacks transparency on how it will measure success in this domain. Reports indicate collaborations with French authorities and a significant financial commitment of £476 million over three years to enhance border security.

Despite the government claiming a 50% rise in asylum decisions since last summer, a record number of asylum applications has actually led to an increased backlog of pending cases. By December, the overall backlog of court appeals had ballooned to approximately 42,000, marking the highest count since at least 2015.

Moreover, while the government has achieved 29,867 returns from July 2024 to May 2025, it must be noted that only 7,893 were forcibly removed. Many of those who left did so voluntarily, often without government assistance. This presents a picture of government action on asylum and immigration that is more complex than presented, prompting questions about commitment and follow-through on pledges.

In exploring these developments, BBC Verify seeks to inform public understanding of the current state of the UK immigration policies and the factors affecting their efficacy.