Afghans ’22 Times More Likely’ to Be Convicted of Sex Offences, Claims Migration Expert in Call for Tougher Controls

Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as a surge in sexual offences committed by Afghan nationals in the UK, arguing many perpetrators “should not even be here.”

In an interview with GB News Originals host Steven Edginton, Bates cited Ministry of Justice data obtained via Freedom of Information requests, claiming Afghan nationals are 22 times more likely to be convicted of sexual offences than British nationals, with rates far exceeding those of other foreign groups.

“This is a huge problem,” Bates said. “Almost every week, we hear of another horrific case in an otherwise peaceful town, carried out against the people of this country by individuals who should not even be here. It is essential that the conversation recognises this fundamental fact and begins seriously discussing what must be done to stop these atrocities from continuing.”

He proposed solutions including a “high-risk list” of countries whose nationals are over-represented in certain crimes, barring entry similar to approaches under Donald Trump, alongside reviews of recent arrivals—particularly small boat crossers—and making foreign national crimes an aggravating factor in sentencing.

Bates emphasised the issue extends beyond Afghans: “This is not just about Afghans; other foreign nationals who have committed heinous attacks and received minimal sentences highlight the system’s failure… It is far past the time for tougher measures.”

Addressing the presence of large numbers of Afghans in the UK, Bates criticised the 2021 resettlement schemes, including two official pathways and what he called a “secret” third scheme under then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

“Tens of thousands of individuals were brought in quietly, often at night, without appearing on official Government data,” he claimed. “Many were not fighting out of loyalty to the British state… Yet politicians, in their naivety, assumed we had a duty toward them. Essentially, a wide net was thrown open.”

Note: The 22 times figure, based on 2021-2023 conviction data and older population estimates, has faced criticism for potentially overstating the disparity due to post-2021 increases in the Afghan population and lack of adjustments for demographics like age and gender. Independent analyses suggest a lower multiple, though still elevated.

British Workplaces Accused of ‘Erasing Christmas’: HSBC Bans Festive Jumpers, DVLA Scraps Staff Dinners

British workplaces are facing accusations of “erasing Christmas” as traditional festive celebrations are scaled back, with major institutions like HSBC and the DVLA sidelining seasonal cheer in favour of professionalism and fiscal restraint.

At HSBC branches across the UK, staff in customer-facing roles have been barred from wearing Christmas jumpers this year, following complaints that festive attire like “Ho Ho Ho” outfits undermined expectations of seriousness.

An HSBC spokesman explained: “We are encouraging colleagues to celebrate Christmas in branches in lots of different ways, including decorating branches, team celebrations and festive lunches. However, it’s important to also remember that branches are spaces where customers receive a range of specialist services that require professionalism and sensitivity. This year, we have asked colleagues in customer-facing roles not to wear Christmas jumpers to reflect this.”

Meanwhile, the DVLA has cancelled its annual free Christmas dinner vouchers for staff at its Swansea headquarters, citing the need for “responsible use of taxpayers’ money” and principles of “fairness and consistency.”

A leaked email to employees stated: “A voucher solely for Christmas is not permitted… Vouchers previously issued for team Christmas lunches are no longer available for this reason.”

A DVLA spokesman responded: “We offer a competitive salary with a special performance bonus scheme which includes vouchers. The rewards scheme for staff is part of a civil-service wide recognition scheme and we follow HM Treasury’s pay remit guidance.”

Dr Philip Kiszely, senior fellow at the New Culture Forum think tank, blamed the trend on “extremely aggressive woke activists,” telling The Telegraph: “The sidelining and erasing of Christmas has been happening for a while, but I do think it is gathering pace. There are a handful of activists, in and outside companies, who complain and the companies or organisations cave immediately… It’s a tiny proportion of the public who really dislike Britain, the west, and Christianity.”