Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to unveil what she describes as "the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times" on Monday, fundamentally reshaping Britain's approach to asylum support.
Ending Automatic Entitlement
The landmark changes will see the UK government scrap the legal duty to provide automatic financial assistance to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. Instead, support will become discretionary, allowing authorities to deny help to those deemed capable of working or possessing assets.
Mahmood, photographed arriving at 10 Downing Street on 4 November 2025, stated: "This country has a proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing danger, but our generosity is drawing illegal migrants across the Channel. The pace and scale of migration is placing immense pressure on communities."
Who Will Be Affected?
Current statistics reveal approximately 100,000 people receiving asylum support in the UK, with the vast majority accommodated by the state. About one third remain in hotels, though Labour has pledged to end this practice by 2029.
Interestingly, most existing asylum seekers are unlikely to be immediately affected. Government sources confirmed that rules preventing most asylum seekers from working will remain unchanged. Only about 8,500 people in asylum accommodation currently have the right to work, primarily those who entered on visas before claiming asylum.
The Home Office clarified that asylum seekers could also be excluded from support for various reasons including:
- Failing to comply with removal directions
- Engaging in criminal activity
- Disrupting accommodation settings
- Working illegally
Danish Inspiration and Political Calculations
The reforms draw inspiration from Denmark's hardline asylum model, which a Home Office delegation studied earlier this year. Key elements include:
- Potential return of refugees to home countries when deemed safe
- Extended waiting periods for permanent settlement
- Stricter family reunion rules
Political observers note these measures represent a strategic pitch to Labour voters considering backing Reform UK, which has gained traction amid rising small boat crossings. The government has indicated it won't tolerate rebellion from its own MPs, some of whom fear losing support to Green and Liberal Democrat candidates.
While the government hasn't specified expected savings, officials confirmed that denying support to rule-breakers could further reduce costs. A spokesperson emphasised: "Support will no longer be a given; it becomes a discretionary power."
The changes are expected to apply only to new arrivals, with individual assessments considering mitigating circumstances rather than applying blanket rules.
