The UK government will significantly tighten immigration rules. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is leading an asylum system overhaul. She will announce the new plan in Parliament today. The changes focus on family reunion rights for asylum seekers.
Stricter criteria for family members will now apply. These include much tougher English language standards. Applicants must also demonstrate access to sufficient funds. The government will also reform the asylum appeals process. Cooper says the current system is completely broken. This overhaul seeks to end the use of hotels for migrants. Recent months have seen a series of angry protests at these hotels.
The government believes UK policies are now out of kilter. European neighbors have already implemented similar restrictions. Consequently, the UK must catch up with these changes. The Conservatives strongly criticized the announcement. They said Labour’s claim to have smashed smuggling gangs is discredited. Meanwhile, Reform UK said the government’s words are not matching reality.
Cooper will highlight efforts against people smugglers. The National Crime Agency led 347 disruptions last year. This figure is a forty percent increase on the previous year. It is also the highest level ever on record. Importantly, August saw fifty-five small boats cross the Channel. This was the lowest figure for that month since 2019.
However, smuggling gangs are adapting their methods. They are now putting more people on each vessel. Last month had an average of sixty-five individuals per boat. The government faces increasing pressure on asylum hotels. A recent court decision favored the Home Office. It overturned an injunction on using the Bell Hotel in Epping. This case could set a precedent for other legal challenges.
The local council will meet to decide its next action. They may take their fight to the Supreme Court. Cooper will announce a new independent body for asylum cases. It will prioritize accommodation and offender cases within twenty-four weeks. A new fast-track appeals process is also coming.
Furthermore, a returns deal with France is progressing. A pilot scheme will last for eleven months. It allows for the detention and return of some migrants. The first deportations to France will happen in the coming weeks. Cooper says these actions will strengthen border security. They will also increase returns and overhaul the broken system. This asylum system overhaul will fix the chaos she inherited. Finally, it will end costly asylum hotels for good.
The government maintains a proud record of giving sanctuary. However, the system must be properly controlled and managed. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the government lost control. He called the statement a desperate distraction tactic. He noted a rise in hotel use and record boat arrivals this year.
Reform UK also criticized the government. They cited record crossings since Labour took power. The party promised a detailed plan to deport over six hundred thousand migrants. They accused Labour of siding with foreign courts. Reform claims they alone are on the side of the British people.
Protests continue across the country. They happen in Epping, London, Gloucester, and Portsmouth. Warrington, Norwich, and Falkirk have also seen demonstrations. Counter-protests are also occurring regularly. A full High Court hearing on the Bell Hotel is expected in mid-October. The government still plans to stop using hotels by the end of Parliament. Ministers say the court judgement allows a planned and orderly process. Some councils vow to continue their legal fights. Reform UK urged its twelve controlled councils to explore every legal option. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch encouraged Tory councils to keep going. She promised to issue new advice following the recent ruling.
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