In a bombshell political manoeuvre, the Conservative government is actively weighing a high-stakes agreement that would see the United Kingdom relocate thousands of Afghan asylum seekers back to their home country—a nation still under Taliban rule.
The radical proposal, confirmed by multiple Whitehall sources, represents the most audacious attempt yet by ministers to tackle the colossal asylum backlog and dramatically reduce net migration, a key voter concern. The plan would primarily affect Afghans who arrived via irregular routes, such as small boats across the Channel, after the fall of Kabul in 2021.
A Coalition of Concern
The news has ignited a firestorm of criticism from all sides. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has slammed the potential deal, branding it a "dangerous and misguided" policy that betrays Afghans who aided British forces. Her opposition signals a significant rift within the Tory party itself.
Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper accused the government of "secretly cooking up a shoddy deal with the Taliban" purely for headline-grabbing effect, rather than developing a fair and functional asylum system.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
This desperate push stems from a dual crisis: record-high legal migration and a stubbornly persistent backlog of asylum cases. For a government trailing heavily in the polls, a pre-election victory on immigration is seen as crucial. However, negotiating with a regime that is not officially recognised by the UK presents immense legal and ethical hurdles.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s team has remained relatively quiet, likely observing the deep Conservative infighting with strategic interest. The government's next move could define its credibility on national security and human rights, with the world watching.
