A member of the Labour party who escaped the Nazis as a child has criticized the government’s strict overhaul of asylum regulations, stating that it is a step in the wrong direction.
Lord Alf Dubs expressed disapproval of the changes introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, which have raised concerns among Labour MPs, arguing that they will decrease the UK’s hospitality. The newly announced measures include instructing officials to be more decisive in deporting families, including children, and reevaluating the refugee status every two and a half years, potentially leading to removal if their home country is considered safe.
During a session in the Commons, Mahmood acknowledged that the UK’s asylum support, though generous, is attracting individuals to the country. However, Lord Alf Dubs, an advocate for refugee rights who fled Prague in 1939 through the Kindertransport initiative, expressed disappointment with the outlined measures.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today, Lord Dubs criticized the government’s proposals, stating that they will escalate tensions within local communities and create a less welcoming environment in the country. He emphasized the need for compassion in politics and argued that the current direction of the measures is counterproductive.
Concerned about families with children facing deportation, Lord Dubs condemned the use of children as a tool by the Home Secretary, describing it as unethical. He questioned the fate of children born in the UK to immigrant parents and emphasized the importance of considering their integration into society.
Lord Dubs cautioned against the proposal to repatriate refugees to presumed safe countries, highlighting the necessity of verifying the safety of such destinations before returning individuals. He stressed the importance of upholding humanitarian values and ensuring the safety of those seeking asylum.
In defense of the measures, Cabinet minister Steve Reed stated that all Labour MPs were elected based on a manifesto commitment to secure the borders. He argued that compassion should not overshadow the need for border control and highlighted the risks involved in dangerous migration routes that endanger children’s lives.
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