The government is facing significant backlash over its proposed overhaul of the asylum system, with veteran Labour peer Alf Dubs accusing ministers of using children as weapons in their immigration policy.
Controversial asylum reforms spark outrage
Lord Dubs, who came to Britain as a child refugee fleeing Nazi persecution in 1939, described Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's proposals as a shabby thing during an emotional interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The criticism comes as Mahmood unveiled what she described as the biggest shake-up of asylum laws in four decades.
The Home Office plans to consult on measures that would allow the removal of financial support for families with children under 18 if their asylum claims have been refused. Ministers argue that the current system creates perverse incentives that encourage asylum seekers to put their children through dangerous Channel crossings.
Government defends tough stance
A policy document published by the Home Office on Monday stated: Our hesitancy around returning families creates particularly perverse incentives. To some the personal benefit of placing a child on a dangerous small boat outweighs the considerable risks of doing so.
The document further claimed that once in the UK, asylum seekers exploit having children and putting down roots to thwart removal, even after their claims have been legally refused.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed defended the government's position, highlighting the tragic consequences of current Channel crossings. Compassion isn't all on one side of this argument, Reed stated, noting that 14 children had lost their lives when their boats capsized during Channel crossings in the past year.
Integration concerns and community tensions
Lord Dubs expressed deep concern about the integration implications of the proposed changes. My particular fear is integration in local communities: if people are here temporarily, and people know they're here temporarily, then the danger is that local people say, well, you're only here for a bit, why should we help you to integrate?
The Labour peer argued that the reforms would damage community cohesion and make Britain less welcoming to those fleeing persecution. He emphasised that refugees want to make a contribution to our country, that's their overwhelming wish.
Steve Reed countered these concerns by suggesting that the current system of asylum hotels had already damaged community cohesion. He claimed that the rise of far-right political parties and community tensions were directly linked to unresolved immigration issues.
The proposed changes include scrapping permanent refugee status and requiring those arriving in the UK as asylum seekers to stay for 20 years rather than the current five before becoming eligible for permanent settlement. Lord Dubs said these hard-line measures left him feeling depressed about the direction of UK immigration policy.
