Britons believe Andy Burnham is covering up migrant crime data amid court battle

A poll commissioned by the Centre for Migration Control found that half of voters believe Labour is deliberately withholding information about crimes committed by foreign-born offenders. The findings have intensified scrutiny of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and the Ministry of Justice, which is appealing against a ruling requiring the release of data on foreign offending from 2018 to 2024.

The survey, conducted by Find Out Now, found 20 per cent disagreed with the claim that information was being hidden; 74 per cent of Conservative voters and 88 per cent of Reform UK supporters agreed. Seven in ten respondents said foreign-born criminals should be deported, including 60 per cent of Labour voters from 2024. The article also cites 21,294 convicted foreign offenders facing removal who are living in Britain, and says 773 Nigerian offenders were awaiting deportation in June 2025, while 37 had been returned in the previous 12 months. The Information Commissioner rejected arguments that releasing the data would be disproportionate or risk identifying individuals, and the Ministry of Justice is appealing that decision.