Illegal migration puts too much pressure on our public services and causes delays to handling genuine asylum claims - which is why stopping the boats is one of the Prime Minister’s top priorities.
That's why I am pleased to read that Albanian small boat arrivals are down 90 per cent year on year and we have set up a 400-strong team of case workers to fast-track the backlog of 16,683 asylum applications by Albanians. Later today, the Prime Minister will give a further update on this progress.
Nevertheless, these figures show our tough stance on deportation and illegal migration will further deter people from making the dangerous crossing as we stop the boats.