Overview
- The package creates a 30‑month core protection status with renewals, extends the route to settled status to 20 years, restricts family reunion, makes housing and allowances discretionary, offers cash incentives for returns, and proposes asset contributions or seizure, with the Home Office ruling out taking sentimental jewellery.
- Around two dozen Labour MPs and peers publicly opposed the plans, with Lord Alf Dubs accusing the home secretary of “using children as a weapon” and calling the measures “a shabby thing.”
- The government defends enforced returns for families who refuse payments, says families would not be separated, and argues the changes are needed to restore control to an “out of control and unfair” system.
- Kemi Badenoch offered Conservative votes to help the measures through the Commons, while Nigel Farage praised the direction but questioned delivery, and senior Tories argued the plans do not go far enough without leaving the ECHR.
- Legal and practical hurdles are already flagged, with critics warning of ECHR constraints and likely litigation, and analysts noting the proposals echo Denmark’s model and earlier UK ideas with uncertain impact on arrivals.