Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced she is considering a substantial rise in the payments offered to migrants who agree to leave the UK voluntarily for their home countries. The proposal, part of a wider overhaul of the asylum system, was set out on Monday amidst significant criticism from within her own party.
Ms Mahmood admitted the current offer of up to £3,000 could be significantly increased, stating the Home Office will begin trialling 'increased incentive payments' to encourage more people with no right to remain in Britain to depart. She has already directed officials to start a small pilot programme to assess how larger sums affect migrant behaviour.
Value for Money or a Bitter Pill?
Speaking on the BBC's Political Thinking podcast, the Home Secretary acknowledged the controversial nature of the policy. 'I know it sticks in the craw of many people and they don't like it,' she said, 'but it is value for money, it does work, and a voluntary return is often the very best way to get people to return to their home country as quickly as possible.'
While she confirmed she has not yet decided on the final figures, she stated she is 'willing to consider a big increase on what we currently pay.' The central argument is that these voluntary returns are more cost-effective and efficient than forced removals.
Labour Backbenchers Rebel Over 'Dystopian' Reforms
The plans have triggered a substantial rebellion from Labour backbenchers, exposing a deep schism in Sir Keir Starmer's government. MPs lined up to condemn the wide-ranging reforms, which also include making refugee status temporary, subject to reviews every two and a half years.
Former frontbencher Richard Burgon accused ministers of a 'desperate attempt to triangulate with Reform' and predicted a U-turn within months. Fellow left-winger Nadia Whittome branded the policies 'shameful' and 'obviously cruel'.
The rebellion appears to be spreading beyond the party's left wing, threatening a major humiliation for the Prime Minister. A full-scale backbench revolt could force Sir Keir to rely on Tory support to push the measures through, an offer already extended by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
A System 'Out of Control'
Justifying the need for reform in the House of Commons, Ms Mahmood stated the current asylum system 'feels out of control and unfair'. She pointed to rising asylum claims in the UK, contrasting with falling numbers across Europe, and identified the 'comparative generosity of our asylum offer' as a key factor drawing people to British shores.
In a notable moment of cross-party commentary, Mrs Badenoch praised the Home Secretary for bringing 'a new energy to the job' and offered to 'work together' to tackle the small boats crisis. However, she issued a stern warning, asserting that any plan which does not involve quitting the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is 'doomed to fail because of lawfare' and is merely 'wasting time'.
