Overview
- The package replaces the five‑year route with a 30‑month renewable ‘core protection’, extends the wait for settlement to 20 years, removes an automatic right to family reunion and makes accommodation and subsistence support discretionary with potential cost contributions from those with assets or who can work.
- The Home Office confirmed that children born in Britain to refugee parents could be required to leave if parents lose protection, with officials saying the move aims to avoid incentives to establish roots during temporary stays.
- Labour faces a visible backlash of about 20 MPs and criticism from Lord Alf Dubs, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform figures offered qualified support, saying they would help the measures pass.
- Shabana Mahmood rejected reports of plans to seize jewellery from asylum seekers, saying the focus is on withdrawing support from people with means rather than confiscating valuables.
- Ministers are preparing primary legislation targeted for 2026 and are sending a minister to Strasbourg to press for changes in how ECHR Articles 3 and 8 are applied, with the push framed by record asylum claims of 111,084 and rising accommodation costs.