Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing a furious backlash from refugee charities and opposition MPs over her controversial new asylum policies, with critics warning they put vulnerable lives at risk and potentially breach international law.
The storm of criticism follows the publication of new guidance on the Illegal Migration Bill, which reveals that modern slavery protections could be stripped from asylum seekers who arrive in the UK via irregular routes.
Charities Sound Alarm Over 'Dangerous' Policy
Leading refugee organisations have issued stark warnings about the potential consequences of the policy. The Refugee Council stated the move would have a "devastating impact" on survivors of trafficking and modern slavery, denying them critical support and protection.
Maya Esslemont, director of After Exploitation, condemned the guidance as "dangerous" and accused the government of deliberately creating barriers for victims seeking safety and justice.
Legal Challenges and International Obligations
Opposition parties have joined the chorus of criticism, with Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper accusing the government of creating more "chaos and confusion" in the immigration system.
Legal experts have raised serious concerns about the UK's compliance with international law, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights and the Modern Slavery Convention, both of which mandate protection for victims of trafficking.
Government Defends Stance
The Home Office has defended its position, stating the measures are necessary to prevent abuse of the modern slavery protection system and to deter dangerous small boat crossings across the Channel.
A government spokesperson insisted that the Illegal Migration Bill will "break the business model of people smugglers" and bring fairness to the UK's asylum system. However, critics argue the measures punish the most vulnerable while failing to address the root causes of irregular migration.
The growing controversy sets the stage for potential legal challenges and further political battles over the government's approach to immigration and asylum seekers.
