Labour's New Asylum Bill Faces Criticism for Retaining Tory-Introduced Modern Slavery Restrictions

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill seeks to combat people smuggling but retains controversial measures limiting protections for trafficking survivors.

Labour's proposed Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill includes measures to tackle people-smuggling gangs using counter-terror-style powers and new criminal offenses.
The Bill repeals parts of previous Conservative laws, such as the Rwanda deportation plan, but retains restrictions on asylum seekers accessing protections under the Modern Slavery Act.
Critics, including Labour MPs and anti-trafficking advocates, argue that retaining these restrictions risks leaving trafficking victims vulnerable and contravening international law.
The Bill introduces new offenses, such as endangering life at sea and handling materials used in smuggling, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison for offenders.
Advocates warn that some provisions risk criminalizing migrants themselves, while others highlight the need for legal asylum routes to reduce dangerous crossings.