Local MP explains why he backed mass deportation motion

Why it matters: The Independent MP has formally backed Early Day Motion 1142, which calls for a national strategy to "identify, detain, and deport all individuals" found to be living in the UK illegally, representing his constituents' views on what he describes as the government's "soft approach" to border control.

The details: The motion was put forward by Rupert Lowe, MP for Great Yarmouth, and has attracted support from at least 17 MPs across Reform, Conservative, DUP and Independent parties.

It notes "grave concern" at the presence of more than one million illegal migrants in the UK and urges the government to back deportation policies with "necessary legislative, diplomatic, logistical and financial resources".

What he's saying: Spencer explained his decision, saying, "In countless conversations, my residents have raised legitimate concerns about the soft approach we have to people living here illegally. I would be the first person to admit that the Conservatives in Government were too soft on the issue of border control and inward migration."

The bigger picture: Despite the motion's claims, it remains unclear how many illegal migrants are actually in the UK.

• Estimates from the Greater London Authority and the Pew Research Centre put the number between 674,000 and 900,000 – significantly lower than the motion suggests.
• These estimates already include those entering the country illegally, overstaying visas, people refused asylum but remaining in the country, and children born in the UK to "unauthorised" parents.

For context: Mr Spencer was elected in July as a Conservative candidate but had his whip removed by the Tories in May, making him an Independent MP. Early Day Motions are submitted for debate in the House of Commons though more often than not they end up not being debated and instead serve as a record of views held by MPs or to draw attention to specific topics.

The bottom line: Spencer believes his support for the deportation motion reflects legitimate concerns raised by his constituents about immigration policy, though the motion is based on disputed figures about the scale of illegal migration in the UK.