Separately, some complainants have challenged whether the claim “106 ARRESTS LAST WEEK IN YOUR AREA” is misleading. They’ve also challenged whether it is misleading because it implies arrest is the automatic consequence of remaining in the UK without permission. The ASA will publish their findings in due course.
The Home Office have confirmed they're in contact with the Advertising Standards Authority and "will respond in due course"
Green party leader Natalie Bennett responded to the news by telling me that the: "Complainants who have said that words 'Go Home' were offensive and irresponsible are entirely correct. That the government should be responsible for these vans is a reflection of their desperation to chase after UKIP votes. But by doing this, they are only strengthening UKIP's political position. The three largest parties should be standing up to prejudice and misinformation. We have major problems in Britain with low pay, with a shortage of housing, with austerity damaging essential public services from health to education, and these are the result of government's failing. Attempts to blame them on immigration are both deeply dishonest and deeply dangerous."
Labour's Shadow Immigration Minister Chris Bryant responding to the news that the ASA are investigating said: "This is another embarrassing blow to a Government which continues to fail to deal with immigration. With more people absconding at the border and fewer illegal immigrants being returned, David Cameron and Theresa May can't even get the basics right, stumbling from one shambles to another. You've got to question the Government's competence. We need effective action on immigration not offensive stunts."
The Scottish National Party MP Pete Wishart commented: "It is not surprising the use of the 'go home' vans has received widespread criticism, and I am pleased they are being investigated by the ASA. The vans are highly likely to lead to illegal immigrants going underground - rendering them totally counter-productive - while intimidating peaceful and legitimate communities. These posters are clearly designed to address the growing electoral influence of UKIP in Westminster politics, and the anti-immigration plank of their agenda. The illegal immigrants the vans are supposedly trying to target are unlikely even to have a good enough grasp of English to understand what is being communicated."
