SOUTH Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes says he has received assurances that the Government will deport foreign nationals who have served short prison sentences.

Mr Hayes wrote to the Immigration Minister Mark Harper in October and says he was “pleased to learn that the Government is using a range of discretionary powers to deport foreign criminals.”

He said: “Those who receive sentences of 12 months or longer are automatically liable for deportation, but I don’t want to see those who have served shorter sentences get off the hook.

“That’s why I was pleased it’s been confirmed that those who have been sentenced to less than 12 months can be deported if they are persistent offenders or have caused serious harm.”

“I am glad that the Government is using a range of measures to ensure that foreign criminals are sent back to their own country.

“Where possible, foreign criminals should be deported. That is clearly the right thing to do. Foreign nationals who do not contribute to our society and who break the law are not welcome here and should be returned to their country of origin, without delay.”