Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has unveiled a significant package of asylum reforms aimed at tackling what she describes as the 'pull factors' drawing people to the UK, sparking a fiery debate in the House of Commons that included an unexpected invitation to join Reform UK.
Core Proposals and Cross-Party Reaction
On Monday 17 November 2025, Ms Mahmood set out her plan to restore order and control to the border. The key measures include removing benefits from refugees who are able to work but choose not to, and narrowing the UK's interpretation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
The proposed change to Article 8 would define 'family' strictly as parents and their children, and asylum seekers would only be permitted to lodge claims using this right if they are already physically present in the UK.
Praise from Unlikely Quarters
The Home Secretary's announcements drew immediate, albeit qualified, support from some opposition benches. Former Conservative MP Danny Kruger, who defected to Reform UK earlier this year, welcomed the rhetoric of the reforms.
Mr Kruger told the Commons he recognised the language of 'restoring order and control' and jokingly suggested the Home Secretary might consider joining him in Reform UK. However, he swiftly clarified the differences, stating his party would not grant illegal immigrants the right to stay, work, study, or bring their families to the UK for two-and-a-half years.
He expressed his core reservation, fearing the policies would not stop the lawfare used by failed asylum seekers to delay removal.
Political Divides and Personal Testimony
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the moves as baby steps, but positive, welcoming the temporary nature of refugee status and the removal of support duties. However, she insisted any plan that does not include leaving the ECHR is doomed to fail.
Sir Edward Leigh, the Conservative Father of the House, gave the announcement a seven out of ten, remarking that the Home Secretary had strong Conservative instincts.
The proposals also faced criticism from the left. Liberal Democrat spokesman Max Wilkinson challenged the claim that the country is 'being torn apart by immigration'. In a powerful and personal response, Ms Mahmood revealed she is regularly subjected to racist abuse, stating: Unlike him, unfortunately, I am the one that is regularly called a f****** Paki and told to go back home.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused her of trying to appease the most ghastly right-wing racist forces by undermining the ECHR, a convention created by a post-war Labour government.
Clarity on Rwanda and Final Rebuke
When pressed by Sir Edward Leigh to have an open mind about schemes such as the Rwanda asylum plan, the Home Secretary's reply was succinct and definitive: On Rwanda, no.
Addressing the suggestion from Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts that she was 'imitating Reform', Ms Mahmood concluded that while the party seems to be living rent-free in so many people's heads, it was nowhere near hers. Her final word on Mr Kruger's invitation to defect was equally unambiguous: Over my dead body.
