Asylum seekers in the UK have been issued a nine-page Home Office document titled ‘Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK’, which includes guidance on sex and consent, gender equality, and respectful conduct in public spaces.
Document details sex and consent rules
The document, reported by Metro on August 20, 2026, states that it aims to help recipients ‘understand what is expected of you when living in the UK’ and emphasises that the ‘rules and expectations are not just for people seeking asylum, they apply to everyone living here.’ It warns that rape, sex with someone under the age of 16, and domestic abuse are serious crimes that could lead to imprisonment, loss of support and accommodation, and may affect asylum claims.
In the section ‘Sex and Consent’, the guidance explicitly states: ‘In the UK, both people must say yes to sex. This is called consent. It is still rape if you are married to the person or in a relationship.’ It also advises that consent is required in every situation and discourages making sexual remarks about someone, even if intended as a compliment. ‘Kissing sounds’, whistling, following someone, making offensive gestures, and verbal abuse are also listed as unacceptable behaviours.
Gender equality and respect
The guidance covers gender equality, describing equal rights as ‘an important part of UK culture… protected by law.’ It calls for respect for others ‘even if you disagree with their beliefs or how they live’ and provides helplines for those affected by abuse. A Home Office spokesperson said: ‘We expect everyone who comes to the UK to abide by our laws. If they do not, they will face consequences, including the refusal of their asylum claim and removal from the UK. Returns of failed asylum seekers have reached their highest level since 2010 under this Government.’
Political reactions
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised the initiative on X, stating: ‘Instead of trying to train these mainly young, male illegal immigrants to behave in a civilised way towards women, the Home Office should instead deport them. This tells us all we need to know about the kind of people illegally entering our country. Illegal and legal immigrants are coming from places and societies where attitudes towards women are completely incompatible with Western society.’
Reform Home Affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf also posted a video on X, describing the guidance as a ‘disgrace’. The Home Office has not responded to these specific criticisms but reiterated its expectation that all individuals in the UK must comply with the law.
