Key Takeaways:
- The UK government has launched a TikTok account to showcase raids on migrants accused of working illegally, aiming to convince voters that it is tackling immigration.
- The effort is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s moves to win back public support after his Labour Party fell behind Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party.
- Immigration is a top concern for British voters, with polling showing Reform as the most trusted party on the issue.
- The government claims that arrests of illegal workers and raids have reached the highest level in British history, with a 77% increase in raids and 83% increase in arrests.
- Critics argue that the government’s approach is insensitive and focused on scoring cheap political points.
Introduction to the UK Government’s TikTok Account
The UK government has recently launched a TikTok account, @securebordersuk, which showcases raids on migrants accused of working illegally. The account’s first video, a 20-second clip, depicts a sequence of doors being smashed in by armored officers, people being led from workplaces in handcuffs, and planes taking off, all set to a soaring soundtrack and on-screen text highlighting an increase in raids and deportations. The video ends with the message "And it’s just getting started." This move is part of the government’s effort to convince voters and potential new arrivals that it is tackling what many see as Britain’s most pressing problem: immigration.
The Government’s Motivations
The launch of the TikTok account is one of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s moves to win back public support after 18 months in power, during which his Labour Party has fallen far behind Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party. A spokesperson for Starmer said that the channel would help reach a wider audience, tackle false narratives online, and directly reach migrants considering coming to Britain. This effort is seen as an attempt to portray a hardline stance on immigration, an issue that consistently ranks as a top concern for British voters. According to Ipsos polling from 2025, Reform is ranked as the most trusted party on the issue, and the government is seeking to change this perception.
The Impact of Immigration on British Voters
Immigration has become a focal point in British politics, with many voters citing it as a key concern. The issue has been exacerbated by the arrival of over 40,000 migrants by boat in 2025, which has put pressure on public services and sparked debate about the government’s handling of the situation. While illegal arrivals account for only a small portion of overall net immigration to Britain, which is actually falling sharply due to tighter visa rules, the issue remains a highly emotive and divisive one. The government’s efforts to tackle immigration are seen as a key battleground in the run-up to future elections, and the launch of the TikTok account is a attempt to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the issue.
Criticism of the Government’s Approach
The government’s TikTok video has attracted criticism from both sides of the debate. Some argue that the government should be doing more to address the root causes of migration, while others criticize the insensitive portrayal of migrants in the video. Sile Reynolds, Head of Asylum Advocacy at charity Freedom from Torture, said that "this government is clearly hooked on the cheap political points it can score by turning the brutality of enforcement raids into click-bait online entertainment." This criticism highlights the challenges faced by the government in balancing its efforts to tackle immigration with the need to treat migrants with dignity and respect.
The Broader Context of Immigration in Europe
The UK government’s efforts to tackle immigration are not unique, as many European governments are also taking a tougher line on migration. The issue has become a major challenge for governments across the continent, with many struggling to balance the need to control borders with the need to protect human rights and provide a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. The UK government’s launch of the TikTok account is part of a broader trend of governments using social media to promote their policies and engage with the public on key issues. However, the use of social media to showcase enforcement raids and deportations has raised concerns about the potential for insensitive and dehumanizing portrayals of migrants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UK government’s launch of the TikTok account @securebordersuk is a significant development in the debate over immigration in Britain. The government’s efforts to tackle immigration are driven by a desire to win back public support and address a key concern for British voters. However, the approach has been criticized for being insensitive and focused on scoring cheap political points. As the debate over immigration continues to evolve, it is likely that the government will face ongoing challenges in balancing its efforts to control borders with the need to protect human rights and treat migrants with dignity and respect.
