Britain has always been a fair and tolerant country. That is not just a principle; it is something we
have demonstrated time and again. We saw this most recently when war broke out in Ukraine,
families across the UK, including many here in Hull West and Haltemprice, opened their homes
to those fleeing conflict. That generosity reflects who we are at our best.
But the truth is, our asylum system isn’t working for anyone. In my work as an MP, I see the
consequences of this every day: asylum seekers stuck in limbo, waiting over a year for
decisions, all while residents feel the strain on housing and public services. This is neither fair
nor sustainable.
This Government announcement marks the most radical shakeup to the asylum system in a
generation. These reforms are designed to restore fairness, end chaos, and protect those in
genuine need. They aim to reduce dangerous small boat crossings, close legal loopholes, and
significantly increase removals of those who have no right to remain in the UK. At the same time,
they strengthen our commitment to vulnerable groups by creating new safe and legal routes.
The scale of the challenge is clear. Since 2021, more than 400,000 people have claimed asylum
in the UK, which is double the figure from a decade ago. While many whose claims have been
accepted are working and contributing, others are claiming taxpayer-funded benefits. Rising
arrivals, combined with years of slow removals, have put mounting pressure on public services
and communities. That is why action is needed.
Since taking office, the Government has halved the asylum backlog and removed nearly 50,000
people with no right to remain, including over 5,000 foreign criminals. Now, the next phase of
reform goes further.
It will accelerate asylum decisions so that genuine refugees receive certainty quickly, while
those without a right to stay are removed swiftly. The list of safe return countries will be
expanded, and the Government will explore third country returns to deter illegal entry. Legal
loopholes that allow abuse of the courts will be closed, with legislation tightening the use of
ECHR Article 8 and ending last-minute appeals that frustrate removals. Access to taxpayer funded benefits will be restricted, and measures will tackle illegal work that draws people into
the UK. Uncooperative countries that refuse to take back their own citizens will face new
sanctions and visa restrictions.
Alongside these firm measures, the changes expand safe and legal routes, including community
sponsorship and capped humanitarian programmes, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as
children. They also create new opportunities for study and employment for those who come
here legally and safely.
This is about balance. We must protect those fleeing genuine persecution while ensuring the
system cannot be exploited. We must relieve pressure on communities while upholding our
proud tradition of compassion. These reforms are tough where they need to be, but fair where it
matters most – a system that works for everyone.