Keir Starmer is facing a fresh challenge to his authority as Labour MPs vow to force changes to new hardline migration measures that would escalate deportations of children and families. The policies, which include confiscating assets from asylum seekers, have exposed significant divisions within the party.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined radical measures, including attempts to reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights to prevent asylum seekers using family life rights to avoid deportation. A consultation on enforcing removal of families, including children, who refuse voluntary departure payments was announced.
At least 20 Labour MPs have publicly expressed concern, including Tony Vaughan, Sarah Owen, and 2024 intake MPs. Critics described the plans as 'morally bankrupt' and 'straight out of the far-right playbook'. One MP said: 'I didn't fight an election to bundle distressed children onto deportation flights.'
Mahmood rebuked MPs for suggesting she used divisive language, citing racial slurs she faces. A government source stressed there would be 'huge engagement' with worried MPs and no deportations of unaccompanied children, adding: 'If we don't solve the crisis at our border, dark forces will follow.'
The Conservatives have indicated they could support the government to pass the laws if there is a major Labour rebellion. Starmer defended the plans, saying the asylum system was 'broken' and needed fixing to stop illegal arrivals and return non-genuine refugees.
