MID-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is calling for gangmasters - crop pickers' overseers - to be registered following a joint crackdown on illegal immigration near Evesham by police and the Home Office.

Fourteen suspected illegal immigrants were detained near Evesham during an operation set up at 4am last Thursday in a lay-by between the Evesham and the Bidford roundabouts.

Police were present checking cars, vans and mini-buses for roadworthiness.

At the same time the immigration officers were on hand to detain anyone they suspected of being in the country illegally.

Out of the 13 male and one female detained, six were Afghans, three were Polish. They have all been deported.

The others, all eastern Europeans, were failed asylum seekers and have now either been deported or are scheduled for deportation.

Spot checks

A Home Office spokesman said: "These spot checks are carried out weekly all over the country - Evesham is no exception. People are removed who have no right to be here."

"This is a growing concern," said Mr Luff. "It's not just about immigrants - legal or illegal - but about vulnerable people being bussed about the Vale to work for extremely low wages."

He said the same thing was happening in Lincolnshire, and he was planning to back his counterpart Mark Simmons MP who was calling for gangmasters to be licensed in a 10-minute rule Bill due to be heard on Tuesday, September 9.

"I am also compiling a letter to supermarkets challenging them to find out who the gangmasters are employing, and whether the workers are treated properly," added Mr Luff.

The spot check by police on vehicles resulted in two drivers being stopped continuing their journeys due to faulty brakes and tyres and the others were reported for insurance or possible tax offences.