Keir Starmer has declared the termination of favorable asylum policies in the UK, introducing a series of changes that will reduce the rights of asylum seekers.
The Prime Minister has announced the cessation of automatic settlement and family reunion benefits, aiming to discourage small boat crossings. In an upcoming meeting with European leaders in Copenhagen, Denmark, Mr. Starmer will address adjustments to long-term settlement regulations as part of an effort to regain support from the Reform party.
Characterizing small boats as “Farage boats,” the PM criticized Nigel Farage’s stance on the impact of Brexit on migration. He emphasized the need for migrants to contribute to society to earn settlement rights in the UK, highlighting the inadequacies of the current asylum system.
With the objective of deterring dangerous small boat crossings, the government intends to implement stringent requirements for obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK. These prerequisites include proficiency in English, a clean criminal record, and active contributions to society, such as volunteering.
Labour is exploring proposals to extend the ILR qualification period from five to ten years, as pressure mounts on Mr. Starmer to address the issue of small boat crossings and reduce net migration levels.
Critics argue that abolishing ILR could put hundreds of thousands of legally residing individuals at risk in the UK and potentially strain the NHS. Despite labeling the policy as racist, Mr. Starmer has refrained from attributing the same label to Mr. Farage or his supporters.
The government’s decision to enhance border control measures follows concerns raised by experts that the lack of a returns agreement with EU countries has facilitated illegal crossings. The absence of an alternative arrangement post-Brexit has complicated the process of returning asylum seekers to their initial entry points under the Dublin Convention.
The government asserts that the new measures, announced ahead of the European Political Community Summit, demonstrate the UK’s firm stance on illegal migration. Meanwhile, the Reform party has accused Labour of inciting violence and criticized security reductions for Mr. Farage.
In response, a House of Commons spokesperson emphasized that security arrangements for MPs undergo thorough risk assessments and professional evaluations to ensure safety without compromising confidentiality.