Labour MPs and opposition parties have criticized the government's new asylum plans, labeling them "dystopian," "cruel," and "performative cruelty." Labour MP Nadia Whittome described the policies as shameful and questioned the party's adoption of such measures, especially when praised by far-right figures. She highlighted that the government's approach is not winning back voters but alienating them, potentially paving the way for a far-right government.
Other Labour MPs, including Richard Burgon, Brian Leishman, Ian Byrne, and Rachael Maskell, have echoed these criticisms, with Burgon stating the plans are morally wrong and politically disastrous. They argue the focus should be on the cost-of-living crisis rather than targeting vulnerable people.
The SNP and Plaid Cymru have also condemned the plans, accusing Labour of bowing to populist right-wing agendas and enabling Nigel Farage. They argue that punishing asylum seekers who have already endured hardship, separating families, and confiscating belongings is unjust and inhumane.
The Refugee Council's chief executive, Enver Solomon, expressed concern over proposals to charge asylum seekers to cover processing costs, calling it cruel and reminiscent of historical mistreatment of refugees. Sunder Katwala of the British Future thinktank questioned the principle of requiring refugees to contribute to the cost of their claims.
The Green MP Carla Denyer also used the phrase "performative cruelty," suggesting the government lacks solutions to real issues and is instead focusing on divisive policies. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the reforms, stating the asylum system is broken and needs to be fixed, while acknowledging the disappointment with the nature of some criticism.
The Home Office has published its asylum policy document titled "Restoring Order and Control." Polling suggests that measures similar to those proposed by the government are broadly popular with people who voted Labour in the past, although less so with Green supporters.
