Keir Starmer is facing a fresh challenge to his authority as Labour MPs condemn new hardline migration measures that would escalate deportations of children and families. The policies, outlined by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, include confiscating assets from asylum seekers and changing how the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted to prevent asylum seekers using family life rights to avoid deportation.
At least 20 MPs have publicly expressed concern, including Tony Vaughan, Sarah Owen, and several 2024 intake MPs. Critics accuse the government of adopting far-right tactics, with one MP saying: 'I didn’t fight an election as a Labour MP to bundle distressed children on to deportation flights.' Another described the measures as 'morally bankrupt.'
Mahmood defended the plans, citing her own experience of racial abuse, and said the government would consult on enforcing removal of families, including children, who refuse to leave voluntarily. A government source stressed there would be no deportations of unaccompanied children and promised 'huge engagement' with worried MPs.
Starmer told the Daily Mirror the government inherited a 'broken asylum system' and must fix it to stop illegal arrivals and return non-genuine refugees. The Conservatives indicated they could support the laws if Labour rebels. The rebellion highlights deep divisions within the party over immigration policy.
