Keir Starmer is facing a fresh challenge to his authority as angry Labour MPs vow to force changes to new hardline migration measures that include escalating deportations of children and families. The policies, which also involve potentially 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 will explore enforcing removal of families, including children, who have refused payments to leave voluntarily.
At least 20 MPs have publicly expressed concern, including Tony Vaughan, Sarah Owen, and several 2024 intake MPs. Florence Eshalomi questioned whether there would be 'unintended consequences'. Mahmood rebuked colleagues for divisive language, citing racial slurs she has faced.
A government source insisted there would be no deportations of unaccompanied children and promised 'huge engagement' with worried MPs. However, backbenchers described the plans as 'morally bankrupt' and 'straight out of the far-right playbook', with one MP saying: 'I didn't fight an election to bundle distressed children onto deportation flights.'
Starmer defended the plans, stating the government inherited a 'broken asylum system' and must fix it to ensure public confidence. The Conservatives have indicated they could support the government to pass the laws if Labour rebels.
