Dame Rachel de Souza, England's Children's Commissioner, has issued a stark warning that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's proposed asylum reforms will cause significant harm to children. The intervention comes as the Home Office consults on measures including the use of handcuffs on children as a last resort during deportations and the withdrawal of housing and financial support from failed asylum seekers who refuse to leave the UK.
Key proposals under fire
The reforms aim to drive down illegal migration by enforcing stricter rules on families who have exhausted all legal routes to stay in the UK. Among the most contentious proposals is the removal of the exemption for ongoing medical treatment as a 'genuine obstacle' to deportation. This means families with children receiving medical care could still face removal and lose support. Additionally, the Home Office is consulting on the use of force by Immigration and Detainee Custody Officers, including the potential to handcuff children as a last resort.
Dame Rachel's office estimates that around 27,000 children would be affected if the policies come into force. She has called on the government to disclose the exact number of children impacted, accusing the Home Office of refusing to provide this data.
Risk of destitution and harm
The Commissioner warned that the plans risk leaving families destitute and putting children in harm's way. She highlighted that children leaving care face a 'cliff-edge' if vital support is withdrawn due to their asylum status. In her formal submission, she stated: 'As they are currently set out, all three of the proposals will put children at risk of harm. The Children Act is clear that children’s best interests should always be at the centre of decisions about their lives.'
Dame Rachel specifically criticized the proposal that ongoing medical treatment should not be considered an obstacle to leaving, calling it 'at odds with the best interests of children' and urging its reversal. She also demanded that the Home Office not proceed with plans to permit officers to use force against children.
Government's position
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has argued that the UK has not shown sufficient toughness on immigration, warning that failure to control the system would pave the way for a 'nightmare' scenario led by Nigel Farage. In a March speech, she said: 'When people see small boat arrivals... they feel like we have lost control. A loss of control breeds fear... and other voices – voices to the far right – take hold.'
The Home Office has also proposed offering up to £10,000 per person (capped at four people) to families who voluntarily leave after their asylum application is rejected. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We note the Children's Commissioner's response and are considering all feedback from this consultation. We will always provide sanctuary to those who genuinely need it. This consultation is about how enforced family returns operate once all legal routes are exhausted, while ensuring there are clear safeguards in place for children.'
Campaigners' concerns
Campaigners have warned that the plans could lead to sick children being deported even if they cannot receive treatment in their home country. Under the proposals, families would only retain access to support if they would otherwise be destitute or have accepted reasons for not leaving. The consultation period has now closed, and the government is expected to announce its next steps in the coming months.
