Britain’s Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended sweeping new asylum reforms aimed at curbing illegal migration, insisting the measures are necessary despite criticism from refugee groups and Labour members.
Britain’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has defended sweeping new plans to reduce support for refugees and end automatic benefits for asylum seekers. According to PM NEWS, Mahmood said illegal migration is “tearing our country apart” and must be urgently addressed.
The reforms, inspired by Denmark’s strict asylum system, are designed to curb the growing number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats from France a trend that has bolstered support for the anti-immigrant Reform UK party. The proposals have drawn criticism from refugee organisations and some Labour Party members who argue the measures are excessively harsh.
Mahmood rejected suggestions that the government is adopting far-right ideas, insisting her priority is protecting communities and restoring public confidence. Under the proposed rules, refugees would no longer receive five years of protection but instead 30-month permits subject to regular review. They could also be returned to their home countries once deemed safe.
Additionally, asylum seekers would need to wait 20 years before applying for long-term residency, up from the current five-year requirement. The government also plans to remove the legal duty to provide housing and financial support, making assistance discretionary and potentially unavailable to those who refuse to work or commit crimes.
The Home Office described the package as the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in modern UK history. With asylum claims hitting 111,000 in the year to June 2025 and more than 39,000 small-boat arrivals, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to act. Refugee advocates, however, warn the tougher rules will not deter dangerous journeys.