"Go Home" vans facts for kids

The "Go Home" vans were part of a special advertising plan in 2013 by the British government's Home Office. These vans drove around areas with many immigrants. They had messages telling people who were in the UK without permission to "go home or face arrest." The idea was that if people knew they might be arrested, they would choose to leave the country on their own.

This trial program was called 'Operation Vaken'. It ran from July 22 to August 22, 2013, in six areas of London: Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, and Redbridge. It was part of a bigger government approach called the Home Office hostile environment policy, which aimed to make it harder for people to live in the UK without permission.

In October 2013, a report said that about 60 people left the UK because of 'Operation Vaken'. Another 65 cases were still being processed for departure.

What Did the Vans Say?

The vans had posters showing a person with a Home Office badge holding handcuffs. The message on the posters was:

In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest. Text HOME to 78070 for free advice, and help with travel documents. We can help you to return home voluntarily without fear of arrest or detention.

Public Reaction and Cancellation

Many people were very upset about the campaign. Because of this strong public reaction, the campaign was stopped.

A survey in August 2013 by YouGov found that 55% of British adults supported the idea. However, 35% were against it.

Political Views

Several British politicians shared their worries about the campaign.

• Nick Clegg, Vince Cable, and Eric Pickles all said they had concerns.
• Nigel Farage thought the advertisements had an "unpleasant" tone. He felt the government was just trying to look tough to gain votes.
• Yvette Cooper compared the messages on the vans to slogans used by a far-right group called the National Front in the 1970s.
• Diane Abbott said the campaign was like "dog-whistle politics." This means sending a message that only certain groups understand, often to stir up negative feelings. She said it was like writing "Paki go home" on buildings. She believed the policy would only cause fear and anger, not achieve its goals.

See also

• Illegal immigration to the United Kingdom
• Racism in the UK Conservative Party