Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended a package of far-reaching changes to the UK’s asylum system in the House of Commons, saying the present arrangements are “out of control and unfair” and warning that inaction risks pushing people “down a path that starts with anger and ends in hatred.” Presenting a 30-page Home Office paper, Mahmood described the proposals as a moral mission to restore public confidence in having any asylum system at all.
Under the plans refugee status would become temporary, housing support for many asylum seekers would no longer be guaranteed, and a set of capped “safe and legal routes” into the UK would be created. The government says its aim is to reduce arrivals and increase removals of people without a legal right to remain.
The package drew immediate criticism from many Labour MPs. Nadia Whittome called the plans “dystopian” and “shameful,” and other backbenchers warned the changes would remove protections for people who have suffered trauma. An immigration lawyer and MP for Folkestone and Hythe, Tony Vaughan, said making refugee status temporary would produce “perpetual limbo and alienation.” Richard Burgon described the measures as “morally wrong” and warned they could alienate Labour voters.
About 20 Labour MPs have publicly criticised the proposals, though some colleagues supported Mahmood. Chris Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live that the system must be fair or it risks collapse, and Graham Stringer said the home secretary was “going down the right track,” while stressing the need to address the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the proposals as “positive baby steps” but cautioned they would fail unless the UK left the ECHR, urging Mahmood to work with Conservatives if Labour backbenchers oppose the reforms. The government has already retreated from some policies over the last year after objections from its MPs.
Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Max Wilkinson praised the idea of safe and legal routes but accused Mahmood of “stoking division by using immoderate language.” Mahmood replied that she faces racist abuse, including being told to “go back home” and hearing slurs directed at her.
So far this year 111,800 people have claimed asylum in the UK, the government says. Of those, 39% arrived in small boats and 37% arrived by legal means before claiming asylum.
Key elements of the proposals include:
– Making refugee status temporary with reviews every 30 months, halving the current review period.
– Increasing the qualifying period for permanent residence from five years to 20 years.
– Offering incentives for families with children who are refused asylum to return, with the possibility of forced removal for those who refuse.
– Requiring asylum seekers with income or assets to contribute to the costs of their stay.
– Changing how the ECHR and the Modern Slavery Act are applied to make removals easier.
– Threatening to stop issuing visas to nationals of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Namibia unless those governments improve cooperation on deportations.
– Creating new capped safe and legal routes and expanding the role of voluntary and community organisations in receiving and supporting arrivals.
Home Office sources denied claims that personal or sentimental items such as wedding rings would be seized to pay for accommodation. Mahmood argued that asking those with resources to contribute would end the perceived absurdity of some people receiving family funds while also getting taxpayer-funded housing.
Reaction spanned the political spectrum. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praised Mahmood’s robust tone and suggested she might be mending ties with his party, but he doubted whether the measures would survive opposition from Labour backbenchers or scrutiny from the European Court of Human Rights. Green Party leader in England and Wales Zack Polanski called the proposals “extreme” and “inhumane,” urging Labour MPs to follow their consciences.
Charities pushed back as well. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council said tougher rules would not deter people fleeing for their lives, noting many come to the UK because they speak English or have family and community ties rooted in historical links.
Mahmood told MPs she believes most colleagues accept the need for change, and warned that failure to make an argument for reform risks losing public support for an asylum system the country should be proud to have.