Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is confronting significant internal opposition from her own Labour colleagues as she unveils what she describes as Britain's biggest border control overhaul in decades.
Major Immigration Shakeup Faces Backbench Revolt
The proposed reforms, inspired by Denmark's strict immigration policies, would dramatically increase the waiting period for permanent settlement from five to 20 years for asylum seekers. Under the new system, refugee status would be reviewed every 30 months, with individuals being returned to their home countries if conditions are deemed safe.
Despite ministerial pleas for support, Labour backbenchers are mobilising against what they see as an adoption of Reform Party-style hardline policies. There are reports that at least one minister is on 'resignation watch' as the internal conflict intensifies.
Asset Seizures and Visa Bans Proposed
Among the most controversial measures is the potential seizure of assets from Channel boat arrivals. The government has expressed alarm that some asylum seekers have been living in taxpayer-funded hotels while driving luxury vehicles like high-end Audis.
Home Office sources have clarified that while they won't emulate Denmark's 'jewellery law' allowing confiscation of personal valuables, identifiable assets such as cars and e-bikes could be seized to help fund accommodation costs currently burdening taxpayers.
One government insider highlighted a specific case: "An asylum seeker who was receiving £800 each month from his family and drove an Audi but was receiving free housing at taxpayer expense. That isn't right."
The reforms also include a visa ban on three African nations – Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo – unless they improve cooperation on removing illegal migrants.
Legal Rights Restrictions and Internal Backlash
The proposed changes would weaken protections under the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically the right to family life, while restricting the number of appeals allowed against asylum refusals.
Kent MP and former immigration lawyer Tony Vaughan voiced strong criticism, warning that the government's approach "encourages the same culture of divisiveness that sees racism and abuse growing in our communities."
His concerns were echoed by former frontbencher John McDonnell, with numerous Labour MPs amplifying the criticism on social media platforms.
Borders minister Alex Norris appealed for calm during media appearances, urging colleagues to reserve judgment until they've seen the full package. He told Times Radio: "What I say to them is we cannot be defenders of a broken system. The system is not safe, the system is not controlled and it's eroding public confidence."
Ms Mahmood has described the reforms as a 'moral mission', acknowledging that uncontrolled immigration is dividing the nation, but faces an uphill battle to secure parliamentary support from within her own party.
