Labour leader Keir Starmer is facing a fresh internal fight as several of his MPs publicly challenge the government’s new asylum and immigration proposals.
The latest row centres on policies introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who has become a key figure in the debate over how the UK handles asylum seekers, deportations, and illegal migration.
The government insists the new approach is necessary to fix what it calls a “broken asylum system”. But critics inside Labour say the measures risk drifting into unnecessarily harsh territory, particularly around the removal of families and children.
Major Rift Opens Inside Labour
The dispute has exposed significant divisions in the party. At least 20 Labour MPs have raised concerns about the government’s immigration strategy, which includes the possibility of seizing certain assets from asylum seekers to offset costs, tightening the rules under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and creating new enforcement powers.
For some MPs, the proposals go too far. Others argue that Labour must be firm to maintain public confidence in the UK’s border system.
One MP was blunt about their discomfort. “I didn’t fight an election as a Labour MP to bundle distressed children onto deportation flights,” they said.
Another MP, whose seat borders Green Party support, warned of a growing online backlash. A third MP described the plans as being “straight out of the far-right playbook”.
Mahmood Defends Her Approach
In the Commons, Shabana Mahmood struck a firm but personal tone. She pushed back at fellow MPs who accused her of using divisive language, pointing out that she regularly receives racist abuse, including being told to “go back home”.
“I know through my own experience and the experience of my constituents just how divisive asylum has become in our country,” she said.
Today, I have set out the most sweeping changes to the asylum system in a generation.
We must restore order and control to our borders.
So we can continue to offer sanctuary to those fleeing danger. pic.twitter.com/VFVBBR0d9q
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) November 17, 2025
Mahmood’s plan includes a consultation on enforcing the removal of families, including children, who have refused payments offered to help them return voluntarily.
The Home Office also wants to tighten how UK courts interpret Article 8 of the ECHR, which deals with family life rights, and push for changes to Article 3, which protects people from inhumane treatment.
A government source insisted the plans would not involve “deportations of unaccompanied children” and said ministers would work closely with concerned MPs. “If we don’t solve the crisis at our border, dark forces will follow,” they said.
Starmer Tries to Hold the Line
Keir Starmer has backed Mahmood, saying the government must “pick up and fix” the asylum system.
“We need to make sure there’s a consensus on this, that people have confidence in our asylum system. We need to stop people arriving who shouldn’t be here, and we need to return those who are found not to be genuine refugees,” he said.
But despite his support, Labour insiders admit the backlash is real. Some staff believe the government will be forced to soften aspects of the policy, particularly the 20-year wait before refugee families can apply for permanent settlement and the potential seizure of assets.
The Home Office has already clarified that it does not intend to take people’s jewellery.
Why MPs Are Worried?
Several MPs fear the proposals could increase the detention of children and create fresh trauma for already vulnerable families. They warn that the measures may add layers of bureaucracy rather than provide real solutions to unsafe crossings or smuggling gangs.
Simon Opher said the government should focus on stopping dangerous boat journeys and “stop the scapegoating of immigrants”. Sarah Owen added: “A strong immigration system doesn’t need to be a cruel one.”
Neil Duncan-Jordan highlighted the growing unease among long-term migrants. He recalled speaking to a taxi driver who had lived in Britain for 20 years but no longer felt welcome. “Kicking out recognised asylum seekers doesn’t speak to any of our values,” he said.
What do the New Asylum Plans Include?
Key proposals in the Home Office document include:
- Temporary refugee status, reviewed every 30 months
- Tighter rules on Article 8 to make removals easier
- Advocating international reform of Article 3
- A new appeals body to speed up deportation decisions
- Consultation on enforced family removals
These changes sit at the heart of the UK’s evolving immigration policy under Labour, with Mahmood positioning herself as the minister willing to take on what she calls “existential issues” around border control.
Refugee Groups Warn of Harm
Refugee organisations say the government risks losing sight of the human cost. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, warned: “Behind these proposals are men, women and children who have survived war, persecution and unimaginable loss.”
He argued the measures “won’t fix the real problems” and may instead create “more delays, more stress and more inhumane treatment”.
With the Conservatives signalling they may back the government if Labour rebels, Starmer’s authority is now being tested from both sides.
The asylum debate, centred on Shabana Mahmood, refugee rights, and the UK’s approach to border control, is likely to dominate Westminster for months.
Labour MPs privately admit the fight over asylum seekers and immigration laws is only just beginning.
