A convicted people smuggler, once called the 'godfather' of the Calais migrant camps, has been found living in Leicestershire, sparking outrage and urgent government action. Downing Street says it shares 'the public’s shock' and is working to establish the facts. The case highlights major flaws in the UK’s immigration and deportation systems, especially after Brexit.
Twana Jamal, who changed his name after arriving in the UK, was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2019 for smuggling migrants across the Channel. Prosecutors claimed he earned up to £100,000 a week from the operation. Despite this conviction, the BBC tracked him down to Leicestershire, where he was reportedly working illegally and attempting to claim asylum.
Systemic Failures Exposed
This case is not isolated. It comes alongside news that the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang cannot be deported due to a legal loophole. Together, these incidents have ignited fierce political debate about whether the UK’s systems are fit for purpose when it comes to deporting foreign criminals.
Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, told the BBC: 'This shines a light on a system that is not working. People are entering our country illegally in large numbers, and we really don’t know who many of them are.' He claimed that under a Conservative government, Jamal would be deported but warned that 'human rights claims' could block removal.
Brexit Impact on Criminal Checks
The BBC reported that immigration officers say it has become more difficult to check criminal records from some countries since the UK left the European Union. The Home Office disputes this, stating that it has 'a number of agreements with countries which enable the sharing of criminal record information.' However, the BBC claims it found more than 20 active smugglers who have reached the UK.
Key facts from the report:
- Twana Jamal was convicted in France for smuggling migrants across the Channel.
- He reportedly earned up to £100,000 per week from his operations.
- He was tracked down to Leicestershire, working illegally and claiming asylum.
- More than 20 active smugglers are believed to be living in the UK.
Government Response and Enforcement
Jacqui Smith, the skills minister, said the Home Office had been in touch with the BBC and wanted 'the evidence necessary in order to take action.' A No 10 spokesperson added: 'We will not tolerate abuse of our immigration system, and that is why we are deporting people with no right to be here at the highest rate in nearly a decade.'
The Home Office also highlighted that illegal working arrests are up by 83% and raids have increased by 77%. However, critics argue that cases like Jamal’s show enforcement is still failing. The Home Office stated: 'Despite repeated requests for verification, the BBC failed to provide evidence capable of substantiating the claims in this report.'
Political Fallout and Public Anger
The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over UK immigration policy. The Conservative party has seized on it to argue that the current government is soft on crime. Philp said: 'The man who was tracked down in Leicestershire should be arrested by the police for illegal working while the authorities should render any claims by him as null and void.'
Downing Street’s admission of 'shock' suggests the government is aware of the political damage. The story has dominated UK news headlines, with many questioning how a convicted smuggler could live openly in Britain while claiming asylum.
FAQ: Convicted People Smuggler in the UK
Who is Twana Jamal?
Twana Jamal is a convicted people smuggler once known as the 'godfather' of the Calais migrant camps. He was sentenced to five years in prison in France in 2019 for moving migrants across the Channel. He later changed his name and moved to Leicestershire, where he was found working illegally and claiming asylum.
Why can’t the UK deport him?
The UK government is investigating the case, but legal loopholes and potential human rights claims may block deportation. The BBC report also highlights that checking criminal records from EU countries has become harder since Brexit, though the Home Office disputes this.
How many convicted smugglers are in the UK?
The BBC claims it has found more than 20 active smugglers who have reached the UK. Immigration officers say the number could be higher, and that the system is struggling to identify and remove them due to gaps in international data sharing.
