Watch: Telford's Labour MP Shaun Davies calls for 'foreign criminals' to be deported rather than jailed
A Shropshire MP has called for the removal of "foreign criminals" from the UK instead of any prison sentence handed down from the courts.
Labour MP for Telford, Shaun Davies, asked the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood if she would consider the move in parliament on Tuesday.
The MP said: “I asked the Justice Secretary if she'll consider a standalone deportation order for foreign criminals, as an alternative to imprisoning them at taxpayer expense.”
Ms Mahmood, who is also the Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood, told Mr Davies: “I'm personally of the view that deportation for somebody who has been convicted and is ultimately due to be imprisoned in our country is as good a punishment as serving time in this country.”
She added that the government was reviewing options including bringing forward the point of early removal from the UK.
Mr Davies said after the debate: “It is great to see the Secretary of State show support for a measure that would ensure our justice system delivers value for public money.”
