Labour's 'Moral Mission' to Overhaul UK Borders
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared a 'moral mission' to control Britain's borders as the Labour government unveils what she describes as the 'most sweeping set of reforms in modern times' to tackle illegal immigration. The cabinet minister revealed that Channel boat arrivals will face a dramatic 20-year wait for permanent settlement in the UK, quadrupling the current period.
Danish-Inspired Hardline Reforms
The radical new measures draw inspiration from Denmark's hardline immigration system, which has reduced asylum claims to a 40-year low in the Scandinavian country. Under the proposed changes, refugees would have their status reviewed every 30 months to assess whether their home countries have become safer, potentially allowing for their return.
Ms Mahmood emphasised the urgency of these reforms during media appearances, stating: 'I know we have to go further, because people are still getting in boats every day, crossing the Channel, putting their lives at risk.' She expressed concern that without meaningful changes, public pressure might lead to demands for completely scrapping the asylum system.
Scrapping Automatic Benefits and Right to Work Changes
The Home Secretary outlined plans to scrap automatic state handouts for many asylum seekers and revealed she will propose revoking the statutory legal duty to provide asylum-seeker support, including housing and weekly allowances of £49. The presumption will be that asylum seekers who have the right to work but choose not to would be denied benefits.
Currently, there are 8,500 people in asylum accommodation on visas with the right to work. The reforms signal a significant shift in how the UK handles asylum claims, with Home Office sources noting that the UK currently offers a package of benefits and support that far exceeds our international obligations.
The new 20-year qualifying period will apply specifically to those who arrive illegally - whether in small boats or lorries - and claim asylum, or those who overstay their visas and then make claims. Home Office sources confirmed this will create the longest route to settlement in Europe, exceeding even Denmark's eight-year pathway.
Political Backlash and Cross-Party Challenges
Despite the government's determination, the plans are already facing significant opposition from left-wing Labour MPs who regard Denmark's system as 'undeniably racist'. According to Labour insiders, Ms Mahmood has told colleagues she would do 'the unthinkable for a Labour Home Secretary'.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned that Labour was 'incapable of getting any real change past their Left-wing backbenchers' while offering to work with the government to deliver meaningful reform. The political divide highlights the challenges facing the government's immigration agenda.
Ms Mahmood defended the comprehensive approach, stating: 'That's what the new suite of proposals, the most sweeping set of reforms in modern times, that's what that is designed to do. Because I know illegal migration is causing huge divides here in our own country.'
The Home Secretary is expected to announce further details about reforming the implementation of the European Convention of Human Rights in the Commons tomorrow, signalling the government's determination to push through what could become the most significant overhaul of Britain's asylum system in decades.
