Labour MPs warn they will force changes to asylum plans that ramp up family deportations

Keir Starmer is confronting one of the most serious tests of his leadership after Labour MPs voiced intense anger over sweeping asylum reforms that would expand the removal of children and families. The proposals, presented by the home secretary Shabana Mahmood, have triggered deep divisions across the party and prompted warnings from backbenchers that they will demand significant changes.

The policies include a series of measures designed to tighten the asylum system and increase deportations. One proposal raises the possibility that asylum seekers could have certain assets confiscated to help cover costs. This suggestion has fuelled widespread unease among Labour MPs who argue that colleagues appear to be ignoring the level of public anger about illegal migration while failing to uphold long-standing principles of fairness.

Conservative MPs signalled that they may support the government if Labour backbenchers stage a large rebellion. This has only heightened the internal struggle as Labour attempts to balance public expectations with party values.

Mahmood outlined several reforms aimed at changing how the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted by judges in the United Kingdom. These changes focus on limiting the use of the right to family life by asylum seekers who appeal against deportation orders. A policy document also confirmed that ministers will consult on enforcing the removal of families who refuse both settlement decisions and payments offered to encourage voluntary departure.

Starmer defended the overall direction of the policy during an interview with the Daily Mirror. He said the government had inherited a broken asylum system and stressed the need for public confidence. He argued that the system must stop people arriving illegally and ensure that those who are not genuine refugees are returned.

At least twenty Labour MPs have now spoken out publicly with concerns. Among them are former human rights barrister Tony Vaughan, select committee chair Sarah Owen and several members of the twenty twenty-four intake, including Simon Opher, Abitsam Mohamed and Neil Duncan Jordan. Florence Eshalomi, chair of the housing and communities select committee, asked Mahmood whether she was confident the policies would not lead to serious unintended consequences.

Mahmood rejected allegations that she had used divisive language and referred to a racist slur that she said she heard regularly from members of the public. She told the Commons that she was acutely aware of how contentious the asylum debate has become and insisted that her proposals are intended to bring order to the system.

A government source said ministers would engage extensively with worried Labour MPs and assured colleagues that there would be no removals of unaccompanied children. The source said the crisis at the border presents an existential challenge for mainstream parties and warned that failure to act would allow darker elements to exploit the issue. They defended Mahmood as someone arguing for what she believes is right.

However, many Labour MPs expressed alarm at plans for detaining families ahead of removal. One MP said they had not entered politics to place distressed children on deportation flights. Others described the proposals as taken from a far right playbook and warned that constituency backlash had already begun.

Simon Opher criticised policies that create insecurity rather than clarity and said they risk wasting money while weakening control of the system. Sarah Owen said a strong immigration system does not need to be cruel and reminded colleagues that refugees are real people escaping danger. Neil Duncan Jordan said a taxi driver told him he no longer felt welcome in the country despite working and paying taxes for two decades. He argued that British values are rooted in generosity and compassion and said the changes portray the country as cold and uninviting.

Several aides within the party echoed these concerns and doubted whether ministers could push the proposals through without softening measures on asset seizures and the long wait for permanent settlement. Some MPs believe the initial document represents an opening offer and expect shifts after wider consultation.

The policy paper confirms that refugee status will become temporary and will be reviewed every thirty months. It also sets out plans to restrict the protections of Article eight of the European Convention and to lobby internationally for changes to Article three. A new appeals body staffed by trained adjudicators would be established to accelerate removals.

Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council warned that the proposals risk worsening delays and stress for people who have already endured extreme hardship. He said the reforms sound tough, but do not address real problems and may lead to more inhumane treatment of those the system is meant to support.