Borders minister Alex Norris has publicly urged his fellow Labour MPs to hold their judgment and examine the government's forthcoming asylum plan closely, amidst a growing outcry from the party's backbenches.
Major Overhaul of Asylum System
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce the most significant changes to the UK's asylum framework in the modern era in the Commons on Monday. The reforms, inspired by a strict Danish model, are a direct response to the ongoing issue of small boat crossings in the Channel.
The comprehensive package is expected to include an overhaul of human rights laws, specifically how the right to a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights is applied in migration cases. Furthermore, the government plans to restrict the number of appeals allowed against asylum refusals.
Backbench Opposition and Ministerial Defence
The proposed measures have already sparked significant discontent within the Labour Party. Kent MP and former immigration lawyer Tony Vaughan criticised the ministers' rhetoric, stating it "encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities."
In response, minister Alex Norris disagreed with this characterisation. He implored colleagues, who "have not seen the package yet," to review it thoroughly before passing judgment. He defended the need for change, arguing, "We cannot be defenders of a broken system. The system is not safe, the system is not controlled and it’s eroding public confidence."
Specific Measures and Further Controversy
The announced reforms extend beyond legal changes. The Home Office has immediately enacted a ban on visas from three African countries – Angola, Namibia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo – contingent on their cooperation with the removal of illegal migrants.
One of the most contentious proposals reportedly under consideration is a measure requiring some asylum seekers to contribute to the cost of their support, mirroring Denmark's so-called "jewellery law." Minister Norris clarified that while it was right for people with assets to contribute, the government would "not be taking family heirlooms off individuals." The policy would target assets from illegal work, such as cars and e-bikes, but exclude sentimental jewellery.
Other key elements of the reform package include:
- Making refugee status temporary, with reviews to return people once their homeland is safe.
- Introducing new safe and legal routes to the UK to deter dangerous Channel crossings.
Opposition was not limited to Labour backbenchers. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson condemned the idea of confiscating valuables, calling for asylum seekers to be given the right to work instead. Conservative shadow minister Matt Vickers dismissed the plans as "largely gimmicks" that did not go far enough.
The political challenge for the government is clear. Labour MP Brian Leishman said the plans sounded "very Reform in their nature" and were a betrayal of party values. However, ministers have insisted the policy is not a reaction to the rise of Reform UK, with one frontbencher stating it was "the right thing to do even if Reform never existed."
The urgency for action is underscored by the latest figures: 39,292 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, already surpassing the totals for both 2024 and 2023.
