Overview
- The home secretary will outline the reforms to MPs on 17 November, aiming to speed removals and deter small‑boat arrivals.
- Plans being considered draw on Denmark’s model, including tighter family reunion rules, temporary protection in place of automatic settlement, and stricter settlement conditions such as high‑level English and sustained work.
- Reported legal measures include a one‑stop process for asylum and modern slavery claims, requiring slavery claims at arrival, and directing judges to give greater weight to public safety over family‑rights arguments under the ECHR.
- The Home Office reports 48,560 removals since July 2024, while a UK–France “one in, one out” pilot has returned 113 people, accepted 84 via legal routes, and operated 13 flights.
- Despite increased removals, around 39,075 people have crossed the Channel this year, with two returnees detected after re‑entering from France, underscoring doubts about deterrence.