London, UK – Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned that public consent for the UK asylum system is at risk unless the government takes decisive action against illegal migration. Speaking ahead of a major parliamentary announcement, Mahmood emphasized that her reforms are part of a “moral mission” to prevent division in the country.

Largest Overhaul in Modern Times

Mahmood is set to unveil what she calls the most sweeping asylum reforms in modern times on Monday in the House of Commons. The package aims to:

• Make the UK less attractive to illegal migrants.
• Simplify the removal of those who do not qualify for asylum.
• Introduce temporary refugee status, subject to regular review, so individuals are returned to their home countries once safe.
• Create safe and legal pathways for asylum seekers to reduce dangerous Channel crossings in small boats.

Addressing Divisions Over Migration

Speaking on Sky News, Mahmood said illegal migration is creating “huge divides” in the UK. She stressed that action is necessary to maintain public support for the asylum system, stating:

“I do believe we need to act if we are to retain public consent for having an asylum system at all.”

On the BBC, Mahmood defended the reforms against accusations of adopting far-right rhetoric, highlighting her personal connection to immigration:

“I am the child of migrants myself… Immigration is absolutely woven into my experience as a Brit and also that of thousands of my constituents.”

Key Changes in the Proposed Policy

Some of the major reforms expected to be announced include:

• Revocation of legal duty to provide asylum support, originally introduced under EU law in 2005. Housing and weekly allowances will no longer be guaranteed.
• Denial of benefits or housing to asylum seekers who can work but do not, or who break the law.
• Judges will be instructed to prioritize public safety over potential claims of family separation or “inhuman” treatment if returned.
• AI facial age-estimate technology will be deployed to verify claims of child status among migrants.

Inspiration from Denmark

The government is taking cues from Denmark’s strict asylum system, which has successfully reduced incentives for migrants while increasing deportations. Mahmood hopes similar measures can help the UK manage its growing number of arrivals.

Rising Numbers of Channel Crossings

So far this year, 39,075 people have attempted to reach the UK by boat, exceeding the totals for 2024 (36,816) and 2023 (29,437), though slightly below 2022’s figure (39,929).

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the reforms as “small steps with a few gimmicks,” insisting that the UK needs zero illegal migration and a cap on legal immigration to dramatically reduce numbers.