Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended her major overhaul of the United Kingdom asylum system, arguing that the current framework has become unmanageable and unfair. Addressing the House of Commons, she warned that inaction would worsen public anger and deepen the divisions already emerging across the country. The reforms include converting refugee status into a temporary form of protection, ending guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers, and creating capped safe and legal routes for those seeking refuge. The changes prompted mixed reactions within Labour, with some MPs sharply criticising the measures as harmful, while others argued they were essential to preserve the long term credibility of the asylum system.
The proposals also reignited broader political debate, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch offering limited support while insisting the effort would fail without leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. Liberal Democrat MPs accused Mahmood of inflaming tensions, prompting the home secretary to respond by describing the racism and hostility she regularly encounters. As criticism grew, more Labour MPs expressed concern that temporary refugee status would create instability for vulnerable people, while others said the system must be sustainable or risk collapsing entirely. Mahmood stressed that reform was a moral duty and warned that public faith in the asylum system could vanish if change did not occur.
The government’s plan outlines stricter rules for those granted refugee status, including reviews every thirty months and a significantly longer path to permanent residence. Families who are refused asylum may face enforced removal if they decline voluntary departure, and asylum seekers with financial means would be expected to contribute to their living costs. Mahmood also signalled an intention to pressure foreign governments to cooperate with deportations. Critics argued that tougher rules would not deter people fleeing danger, noting that most migrants come to the UK because of language, familial ties and historical connections. The government maintains that its goal is to reduce illegal arrivals and increase removals of those without the right to remain.
