Home Office defends immigration text message pilot following complaints
The government has defended its decision to text 40,000 Londoners suspected of being illegal immigrants – prompting 140 complaints.
As part of a pilot programme the Home Office sent out a short message to thousands of individuals saying tersely ‘Our records show you may not have leave to remain in the UK. Please contact us to discuss your case.’
Some recipients complained however, with one pointing out that they had been living in Britain since 1966.
It follows confirmation from immigration minister Mark Harper that a controversial advert telling illegal immigrants to ‘go home or face arrest’ could be rolled out nationwide.
In a statement the Home Office said: "We believe it is right to enforce the rules," the Home Office said. We are taking proactive steps to contact individuals who records show have no valid right to be in the UK."
It added that just 14 people had been erroneously messaged.