Sir Keir Starmer is facing a fresh challenge to his authority as Labour MPs condemn new hardline asylum plans, which include deporting families with children and confiscating assets from asylum seekers. The proposals have exposed significant divisions within the party, with at least 20 MPs publicly expressing concern.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined measures to change how the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted, aiming to prevent asylum seekers from using family life rights to avoid deportation. A consultation will be launched on enforcing the removal of families, including children, who have refused voluntary return payments.
Critics, including MPs Tony Vaughan, Sarah Owen, and Simon Opher, have described the policies as “morally bankrupt” and “straight out of the far-right playbook.” One MP said: “I didn’t fight an election as a Labour MP to bundle distressed children on to deportation flights.”
Starmer defended the plans, stating: “We inherited a broken asylum system… we need to stop people arriving who shouldn’t be here, and we need to return those who are found not to be genuine refugees.” A government source stressed there would be no deportations of unaccompanied children and promised “huge engagement” with worried MPs.
The Conservatives have indicated they could support the government to pass the laws if a major Labour rebellion occurs. Mahmood rebuked MPs for accusing her of using divisive language, citing racial slurs she has faced.
