More than 100 Labour MPs oppose the government’s proposed immigration reforms, raising serious concerns about the party’s direction. The private letter, signed by a quarter of the parliamentary Labour party, urges Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reconsider the most stringent changes to immigration law in decades.
On Thursday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood unveiled a pilot scheme offering up to £40,000 to families whose asylum claims are rejected to leave voluntarily. Otherwise, they would face forced removal from the UK.
The plans also extend the wait before refugees can apply for indefinite leave to remain. Refugees may now need up to 20 years of residence to qualify. Officials would reassess asylum claims every 30 months, telling those from “safe” countries to return home.
Tony Vaughan, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, criticized the measures. He said, “You don’t win public confidence by threatening to forcibly remove refugees who have lived here lawfully for decades. That only creates insecurity and divides communities.”
Labour MPs oppose the reforms, arguing the party can improve the system without abandoning its core values. Vaughan added, “We can change our immigration system for the better without forgetting who we are as a Labour party.”
The proposals would also extend the baseline residency period for migrants from five to ten years. Access to indefinite leave will vary by income. Low-paid workers, such as nurses, may wait 15 years. High earners making over £120,000 could qualify after three years.
Mahmood emphasized compliance, saying, “The generosity of the British people will become conditional on those seeking asylum following the law, living by our rules, and not working illegally.” She warned that failing to enforce rules could let “others with none of our values” exploit the system.
Some measures will take effect without parliamentary approval. Secondary changes, such as cutting support for asylum seekers convicted of crimes exceeding 12 months, must pass through the House of Commons. Labour MPs now have 40 days to raise objections.
The scale of opposition highlights tension within the party. More than 100 Labour MPs oppose these changes, signaling serious debate over the government’s immigration direction. Party members continue to urge Starmer to balance security concerns with humanitarian principles.
The discussion over asylum policy is likely to shape Labour’s approach to immigration for years. Critics warn that overly harsh measures could alienate voters and harm communities. Meanwhile, ministers insist the reforms will strengthen the system while promoting fairness.
Labour MPs oppose the reforms, insisting that changes must respect both the law and the party’s social-democratic values. The debate continues as the government prepares to implement key elements of the plan.
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