Labour Faces Criticism Over Plans to Repeal Key Immigration Laws

02Feb

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Labour Faces Criticism Over Plans to Repeal Key Immigration Laws

The Labour Government is facing criticism for its proposed Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which aims to repeal key provisions of the Illegal Migration Act (2023). The proposed changes, intended to reshape the UK's immigration system, have sparked concerns about border security and illegal migration control.

What Changes Is Labour Proposing?

According to The Telegraph and Parliamentary Reports, the Labour Government intends to roll back several measures introduced by the Illegal Migration Act (2023) under the previous Conservative government. These include:

Repeal of Settlement Restrictions: The Illegal Migration Act previously barred most migrants entering the UK illegally from gaining settled status or citizenship. Labour’s bill proposes removing this restriction.
Changes to Age Assessments: The Conservative government introduced a provision allowing asylum seekers to be treated as over 18 if they refused to take a scientific age assessment. The new bill seeks to repeal this measure, raising concerns over fraudulent age claims among asylum seekers.
Strengthening Law Enforcement: While repealing certain restrictions, Labour's new bill also introduces stronger border enforcement measures, including the creation of a Border Security Command to enhance operational efficiency.

A Home Office spokesperson defended the government’s approach, stating:

“The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill introduces workable measures to tighten border security, enhance cooperation with international partners, and ensure a well-functioning immigration system.”

However, opposition figures argue that these changes could undermine efforts to control illegal immigration.

Criticism and Political Reactions

Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed concerns over Labour’s proposed changes, warning that the UK risks becoming the "soft-touch of Europe."

The Attorney General for England and Wales, however, supports Labour’s approach, emphasizing the need to balance immigration enforcement with compliance with international human rights laws.

Net Migration Trends and Growing Concerns

Despite past government pledges to reduce net migration, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows persistently high figures:

906,000 net arrivals in the year ending June 2023.
728,000 net arrivals in the year ending June 2024 (a 20% decline from the previous year).

While this decline suggests that migration numbers are beginning to slow, critics argue that the proposed rollback of immigration laws could reverse this trend and increase illegal migration pressures.

What Happens Next?

Labour’s proposed Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will be debated in Parliament, and further scrutiny will come from Home Affairs Select Committee hearings. The bill's success will depend on balancing effective border security with human rights protections.

As the debate unfolds, Worldwide Immigration will continue to monitor policy developments and provide insights into how these changes may impact migrants, asylum seekers, and UK border controls.

For expert immigration advice, stay informed with Worldwide Immigration.