UK Home Office

It's time for the latest edition of In Focus – catch up with all the updates from the Home Office this month 👇 

We’re looking at how victims of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation are identified and we want to hear from you. Are you a survivor, first responder, support worker, lawyer or someone else who has experience or expertise with the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)? We've launched a call for evidence so people with first-hand experience can help shape a victim identification system that works better for everyone who uses it. Whether you’ve navigated the process yourself or supported someone who has, your insight could make a real difference. You can submit responses until 8 October 2025. Share your views here: https://lnkd.in/dSrkWRWW

It’s been 100 days since I started as Permanent Secretary at the UK Home Office. A hugely busy period, working with the excellent teams who lead on border security, homeland security and public safety for the Government.   I've prioritised getting out to meet staff - from the frontline Border Force at airports and the Port of Dover and Immigration Enforcement at Gatwick as well as two police patrols, and meeting many colleagues across the department.   Thank you to the dedicated team of civil servants working to keep the country safe and secure and I look forward to meeting more of this brilliant HO team.

We were grateful to welcome the FazAmnesty's Surrender Van to Barking Park. Faron Paul, the driving force behind Faz Amnesty, has been doing incredible work tackling knife crime. It's truly encouraging to see the Home Office now supporting and expanding these vital efforts across the country. 👏 This new mobile surrender van, supported by the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime and funded by the Home Office, makes it even easier for individuals to safely surrender weapons anonymously. Find out more 👉 https://lnkd.in/eakBgTq5

41 years on from the clash at Orgreave, families continue to seek answers. That is why Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced a public inquiry into the events of 18 June 1984, with the power to uncover the truth, giving families and communities the answers they deserve.

📰 For the first time, migrants arriving in the UK via small boat will be detained and returned to France.

Female genital mutilation is forced on girls in the name of ‘purity’ and ‘respect’. This must stop. Watch Valerie’s full story 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g3b7x9WC

Now in effect, the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme will shine a light on political influence driven by foreign powers.  Additionally, anyone acting on behalf of Russia or Iran must declare their activities. This is a vital step in keeping the UK safe. 

From 22 July, Irish people living in the UK will be able to apply for British citizenship under a new easier, cheaper route. Under the new route, part of the British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024, applicants will be subject to a more streamlined application process and will not be required to demonstrate knowledge of the English language or sit the Life in the UK test. The registration fee will be 50% cheaper than for other nationalities. Children looked after by the local authority will be processed free of charge, as will those who can credibly demonstrate they can’t afford the application fee.

Forced marriage robs people of choice, freedom and safety. Our joint Forced Marriage Unit is a vital lifeline, providing expert support, training for frontline professionals and a helpline for those who need it most.