deterrent

Any savings would depend on how much of a deterrent it would be in discouraging asylum seekers from coming to the UK.

"Before, during, and after the founding of the United States, our cities, States, and country have continuously relied upon capital punishment as the ultimate deterrent and only proper punishment for the vilest crimes," it added.

But bosses, including the CEOs of Nationwide and DPD, want the law to go further and cover all sectors to act as a deterrent.

White House officials also contend that increased border security and mass deportations have been deterrents, saying they are the primary reason for plummeting figures at the US-Mexico border.

Ministers are now under pressure to deliver results, though the deterrent effect of the returns deal may not become clear until deportations begin in earnest and increase in number.