Reform MP Rupert Lowe has launched a blistering attack on Labour's Barry Gardiner over his stance on immigration benefits to the UK economy.
In a heated exchange, Gardiner defended migration saying: "I don't want to be chasing Reform UK, I want to make the case for proper legal, safe routes and manage migration into this country that benefits our economy.
"Every wave of migrants that's come here from the 1890s, whether it was the Jewish migrants from the pogroms in in Eastern Europe.
"Whether it was the Afro-Caribbean migrants that came in the 50s, whether it was the East African Asians who came in the 70s, they have all brought skills and and economic growth to this country.
"They are the people who have built the NHS in this country, the public transport system."
Reform MP Rupert Lowe fired back: "If you think these people are going to benefit our economy, you're deluded.
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"If they're fleeing from countries, where are the women and the children?"
Gardiner said: "The men from from the Caribbean came in the 1960s. They were the ones who came and who followed.
"The women and the children followed, but they were the ones who went on the buses, who were the conductors and the drivers of our public transport. They're the ones who were the orderlies."
Lowe fumed: "Maybe you should have them in your house. Do you know. Where I live?
"That's what I say to people who think this is right. It's not right. If you come here illegally, you should be detained and deported. "
The clash comes as new figures reveal record-breaking arrests of illegal workers across Britain.
Record figures show 609 illegal workers were arrested in January 2025, marking the highest monthly total since records began in 2019.
The Home Office conducted 828 workplace raids last month, a significant increase from 556 in January 2024 and 171 in January 2019.
The surge in enforcement activity comes as Labour faces electoral pressure, with polls indicating the party could lose more seats to Reform than the Conservatives.
A group of around 40 Red Wall Labour MPs has urged ministers to strengthen their message on immigration.
Home Office sources revealed that Channel migrants have been detected working illegally in Britain's black economy, with many living in "squalid" conditions and working "inhumane hours" for "little or no pay".
Immigration enforcement officers targeted a range of businesses across the country, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants, takeaways, cafes and car washes.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants."
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In a heated exchange, Gardiner defended migration saying: "I don't want to be chasing Reform UK, I want to make the case for proper legal, safe routes and manage migration into this country that benefits our economy.
"Every wave of migrants that's come here from the 1890s, whether it was the Jewish migrants from the pogroms in in Eastern Europe.
"Whether it was the Afro-Caribbean migrants that came in the 50s, whether it was the East African Asians who came in the 70s, they have all brought skills and and economic growth to this country.
"They are the people who have built the NHS in this country, the public transport system."
Reform MP Rupert Lowe fired back: "If you think these people are going to benefit our economy, you're deluded.
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"If they're fleeing from countries, where are the women and the children?"
Gardiner said: "The men from from the Caribbean came in the 1960s. They were the ones who came and who followed.
"The women and the children followed, but they were the ones who went on the buses, who were the conductors and the drivers of our public transport. They're the ones who were the orderlies."
Lowe fumed: "Maybe you should have them in your house. Do you know. Where I live?
"That's what I say to people who think this is right. It's not right. If you come here illegally, you should be detained and deported. "
The clash comes as new figures reveal record-breaking arrests of illegal workers across Britain.
Record figures show 609 illegal workers were arrested in January 2025, marking the highest monthly total since records began in 2019.
The Home Office conducted 828 workplace raids last month, a significant increase from 556 in January 2024 and 171 in January 2019.
The surge in enforcement activity comes as Labour faces electoral pressure, with polls indicating the party could lose more seats to Reform than the Conservatives.
A group of around 40 Red Wall Labour MPs has urged ministers to strengthen their message on immigration.
Home Office sources revealed that Channel migrants have been detected working illegally in Britain's black economy, with many living in "squalid" conditions and working "inhumane hours" for "little or no pay".
Immigration enforcement officers targeted a range of businesses across the country, including nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants, takeaways, cafes and car washes.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants."
Find Out More...