The leader of the Scottish Conservatives has launched a scathing attack on the Labour government's proposed reforms to the UK's asylum system, labelling them as 'chaotic soundbites' designed to mislead the public.
What Are Labour's Proposed Asylum Changes?
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce significant changes to the asylum framework in the House of Commons on Monday, 17 November 2025. The central pillar of the reform involves making asylum granted in the UK temporary. This means individuals could be returned to their home country if it is later deemed safe.
Furthermore, the path to permanent settlement will be dramatically extended, with the time limit pushed out to 20 years. In a parallel move, the Government is expected to establish new safe and legal routes for asylum seekers, aiming to dismantle the business model behind dangerous small boat crossings in the English Channel.
A Stinging Rebuke from the Scottish Tories
Speaking to the PA news agency on Monday, Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay did not mince his words. He asserted that people across the United Kingdom 'won't fall for it for one minute' and accused the Home Secretary of inventing policies merely to pacify a concerned electorate.
'This just sounds like the Home Secretary coming up with some chaotic soundbites just to pacify the people of this country,' Findlay stated. He pointed to internal Labour discord as evidence that the plans were already unravelling, citing opposition from both backbenchers and ministers.
The Conservative Alternative: Leaving the ECHR
Findlay argued that the UK Government has thus far 'failed' in its core promises to stop the small boat crossings and dismantle people-smuggling gangs. He claimed Labour has presented no 'credible means to do so'.
In contrast, he outlined the Conservative proposal, which centres on the UK leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). 'We've identified that is the only credible way that you can deter people from coming into this country,' he said, explaining that it would empower courts to remove those who arrive illegally.
In a direct challenge, Findlay urged the Home Secretary to meet with the UK Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, to discuss a viable solution, noting that Badenoch had already indicated a willingness to collaborate.
The UK Government has been contacted for a response to these criticisms.
