The Home Secretary is set to announce significant changes to human rights laws on Monday, aimed at expediting deportations in the most extensive reform of the asylum system since World War II.
The proposed tough measures include increasing the deportation of foreign criminals and individuals entering Britain illegally. This overhaul involves revising a crucial aspect of European human rights law, limiting appeals, and strengthening modern slavery legislation.
The initiative follows concerns raised by Ms. Mahmood about the unmanageable state of Britain’s asylum system and the disruptive impact of illegal migration on the nation. This year, 39,075 individuals have arrived in the UK via small boats, marking the second-highest figure after the record levels of 2022.
Key elements of the plan involve introducing new laws to redefine the interpretation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to prevent its misuse, especially by serious criminals. Furthermore, there will be a clarification that family ties refer only to immediate family members like parents or children to prevent exploiting weak connections to remain in the UK.
Under the proposed changes, asylum seekers will be restricted to a single appeal and a dedicated body will be established to expedite cases involving dangerous criminals or those with slim chances of success. Legislation will also be enacted to prevent the misuse of the Modern Slavery Act by individuals attempting to prolong their stay in the UK.
Drawing inspiration from Denmark’s stringent system, asylum seekers arriving through illegal means will be required to wait 20 years before applying for permanent settlement. Refugee status will become temporary and subject to periodic review, with individuals being repatriated once their home countries are deemed safe.
To counterbalance the stringent measures, three new legal pathways will be introduced, including capped work and study options, as well as a community sponsorship scheme for refugees akin to the Homes for Ukraine program.
In response to the proposed reforms, Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of maintaining secure borders and enforcing regulations in an increasingly volatile global landscape. The changes aim to reduce lengthy appeals, prevent last-minute claims, and enhance the removal process for those without legal rights to stay in the country.
While the details have raised concerns among charities, with some criticizing the government for recycling unsuccessful strategies proposed by the Tories, the Home Secretary defended the initiative. Ms. Mahmood, who comes from a migrant background, views the reform as a moral imperative to address the divisive impact of illegal migration on British society.
Critics like Sunder Katwala from British Future argue that the government’s focus should be on implementing safe and controlled migration routes alongside returning irregular arrivals to disrupt human smugglers’ activities. Sile Reynolds from Freedom from Torture expressed dismay over the perceived harshness of the proposals, highlighting the need for political parties to prioritize compassion and uphold human rights for all individuals.
The ongoing debate surrounding the asylum system intensified over the summer with protests outside migrant housing facilities. Most recently, demonstrators gathered in Crowborough, East Sussex, to voice opposition to the government’s plan to accommodate 600 asylum seekers at a former army training site nearby.
Authorities confirmed that the protest in Sussex was peaceful, with no reported arrests made.