Keir Starmer is confronting a significant challenge from within his own party as Labour MPs condemn hardline migration measures that include confiscating asylum seekers' assets and stepping up deportations of families with children. The proposals, outlined by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, have exposed deep divisions, with at least 20 MPs publicly voicing concern.
The government plans to consult on enforcing the removal of refused families, including children, and to alter how UK judges interpret the European Convention on Human Rights to prevent asylum seekers using family life rights to avoid deportation. Mahmood defended the policies, saying she knows from personal experience how divisive asylum has become, but MPs accused the government of adopting a morally bankrupt approach.
One Labour MP said they did not fight an election to bundle distressed children onto deportation flights, while another described the measures as straight out of the far-right playbook. Simon Opher warned that creating bureaucracy and insecurity weakens the system, and Sarah Owen insisted a strong immigration system does not need to be cruel.
The Conservatives indicated they could support the government if a major Labour rebellion occurs. A government source stressed there would be no deportations of unaccompanied children, but acknowledged that increased detention of children before removal is likely as part of family deportations.
