London, November 23, 2025
A growing number of Labour MPs have publicly condemned their party’s newly introduced asylum policy reforms, branding them as “wrong,” “cruel,” and damaging to Labour’s traditional values. These criticisms come amid concerns that the proposals mirror Conservative measures and risk fueling far-right support.
Labour’s Proposed Asylum Policy Reforms
Labour Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently unveiled a set of stringent asylum reforms, including extended waits of up to 20 years for indefinite leave to remain, reductions in housing support and weekly allowances, enforced returns of failed asylum seekers—sometimes involving families with children—and seizure of assets from those with available resources. The policy also introduces community arrival caps and plans to explore overseas “return hubs” paralleling the controversial Rwanda scheme.
Labour MPs Voice Strong Opposition
Over 20 Labour MPs have voiced sharp disapproval. Stella Creasy criticised the policy as “not just performatively cruel, it’s economically misjudged,” emphasizing its negative impact on refugees’ capacity to integrate and work. Tony Vaughan, an immigration lawyer and MP, condemned the direction as “wrong,” warning it exacerbates societal division and encourages racism.
Other prominent dissenters include Sarah Owen, who labelled the proposals “repugnant,” and Richard Burgon, who described them as “morally wrong and politically disastrous,” cautioning that this strategy risks empowering far-right political forces. Nadia Whittome expressed shame over the fact the policy draws applause from far-right figures like Tommy Robinson, highlighting concerns over increasing anti-migrant sentiment. Bell Ribeiro-Addy highlighted the increased misery and uncertainty the reforms impose on vulnerable people seeking refuge.
Labour Leadership’s Position and Internal Divisions
Despite the backlash, Home Secretary Mahmood and some Labour MPs argue these reforms are necessary to restore control of the asylum system and regain public trust. However, this stance has generated profound divisions within Labour, with many backbenchers accusing the leadership of surrendering to right-wing populism at the expense of the party’s core principles.
The discord illustrates a significant rift within Labour, with opponents warning the policy mirrors Conservative and Reform UK approaches, thereby damaging Labour’s identity and alienating its traditional electoral base.
Political Implications and Broader Impact
The internal conflict emerges amid wider political challenges on immigration policy, reflecting Labour’s struggle to balance humane refugee treatment with electoral pragmatism. Critics fear the reforms could deepen social polarization and inadvertently strengthen far-right groups by adopting hardline measures historically associated with opponents.
Supporters of the policy argue the reforms are crucial for political viability and effective border management, framing the debate as one of competing strategies for addressing asylum and immigration in the UK.
These developments signal a fraught future for Labour’s policy direction and broader UK asylum discourse, raising important questions about the party’s values and electoral strategy as it navigates a politically sensitive and socially divisive issue.