Labour in all-out civil war as MPs revolt against ‘disgusting’ migrati | Politics | News
Labor is embroiled in a civil war over a raft of “disgusting” immigration proposals due to be unveiled this afternoon, which one MP described as “quite reform in nature”.
Comprehensive reforms to the asylum system are creating divisions; MPs scold their leaders for being too right-wing. The changes are perceived as a desperate attempt to hold on to voters who were considering joining Reform but have created a rift in the party as a result.
The government is facing the ire of more than a dozen backbenchers, including Stella Creasy, who described the plans as “performative cruelty”.
“I know from speaking to other Labor MPs that there is a real degree of disgust at some of these proposals,” Alloa & Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman told Times Radio.
“What we need to do is provide an absolutely honest and frank analysis and recognize that Britain has never been a more welcoming place for immigrants…
“This is nothing new, and I will say, some of the proposals that have been leaked appear to be quite Reform in nature.”
The proposals would be “the most comprehensive reforms to combat illegal immigration in modern times” designed to “restore control and fairness in the system”. The proposal is inspired by Denmark’s notoriously harsh approach, which imposes strict limits on family reunification and sends back some refugees to make the country less attractive to asylum seekers if conditions in their home countries improve.
As instability in the Labor Party continues to run rampant, Downing Street has told MPs they expect backing and support for radical plans they have yet to receive.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will ban three African countries from accessing UK visas if they do not take back illegal immigrants: Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The number of years an illegal immigrant can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain will also quadruple from five to 20 years.
The interior minister plans to change laws that currently guarantee housing and financial support to asylum seekers. This type of legal obligation was introduced under EU law in 2005. Instead, aid will become “discretionary”, meaning aid may be denied to those who are able to work or have assets.
A spokesman said: “In a historic move, automatic benefits for those seeking asylum will end.”
Three African countries will face visa sanctions that will prevent their tourists, VIPs and business people from traveling to the UK if they do not cooperate in eliminating illegal immigrants. It is hoped the reforms will deter canal crossings after a 19% increase in the number of people arriving by boat compared to the same period last year.
