Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly expressed his personal discomfort with plans to deport families with children, just days after the controversial new asylum strategy was unveiled by the government.
Despite his unease, Mr Streeting defended the policy as being the 'right thing to do for the country', highlighting the difficult balance between humanitarian concerns and immigration enforcement.
Backlash and Justification
The remarks were made during an LBC interview on November 19, 2025, where Mr Streeting was directly challenged on the significant backlash against the proposals to increase the removal of families. When asked if he was comfortable with the prospect of children being removed, he responded candidly: "Honestly? Comfortable? No. But is it the right thing to do for the country? Yes."
This internal conflict within the Labour government was further emphasised by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who stated that the UK has previously lacked the 'necessary toughness' in its asylum approach. An official policy document released that Monday cited a historical 'hesitancy' about removing families.
The New Deportation Process
Under the plans detailed by Ms Mahmood, the process for dealing with families subject to removal will be two-tiered. Initially, those affected will be offered financial support to encourage a voluntary return to their country of origin.
However, for those who refuse this offer, the government will pursue enforced returns. A policy document confirmed that 'We will launch a consultation on the process for enforcing the removal of families, including children.'
Mr Streeting pointed to Denmark's model as an inspiration for the UK's approach, noting its use of increased financial incentives to encourage voluntary compliance. He argued that a failure to enforce immigration rules is a key reason 'why the country's in the mess that it's in on asylum and immigration.' He specifically mentioned that around 700 Albanian families are currently being housed at taxpayer expense despite not being classified as at risk if they returned.
Internal Party Criticism
The policy has not been welcomed by all members of the governing party, sparking a notable internal backlash. Labour backbencher Stella Creasy declared that removing children is 'not the British way'.
Lord Alf Dubs, who himself fled the Nazis as a child, delivered a particularly powerful critique. He stated, "To use children as a weapon as the Home Secretary is doing I think is a shabby thing. I'm lost for words frankly."
He raised a poignant question about the fate of children born in the UK to affected families: "What are we supposed to do with the children who are born here, who've been to school here, who are part of our community and society? We can't just say 'out you go because your parents don't claim to be here'."
The government's new asylum plan, therefore, finds itself at the centre of a fierce political and ethical debate, pitting claims of necessary enforcement against profound humanitarian concerns.
