Shabana Mahmood set out an asylum shake-up, offering cash incentives for families with refused claims to leave voluntarily and prioritising enforced removals if they decline. A trial of enhanced payments is planned. Framed as tackling illegal migration, the plans drew sharp criticism from Labour MPs.
Shabana Mahmood defended her asylum reforms, saying persistent racist abuse she faces underscores the need to fix a broken system. She rejected accusations of stoking division while outlining plans in the Commons, facing criticism from opponents and some of her own MPs.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch backed Home Sec Shabana Mahmood’s tougher asylum measures but warned they could fail if courts and Labour backbenchers block them. She urged cross-party cooperation in the “national interest”, saying ministers may need Tory votes.
The Home Secretary mounted a firm defence of plans to reform the asylum system after criticism from MPs and unions, calling the status quo unsustainable. She pledged faster decisions, tighter controls and lower costs, dismissing what she described as sanctimonious opposition.
Labour is split over plans to harden the asylum system. MPs attack the home secretary’s package—family removals, faster returns and cash incentives for voluntary departures—as needlessly harsh and divisive, arguing it betrays party values. The leadership says it aims to deter dangerous journeys.
Home Sec Shabana Mahmood unveils a major migration clampdown: removal for families with rejected claims, time‑limited refugee status alongside new legal routes, and visa bans for unco‑operative states. Facing Labour dissent, the Tories and Reform signal support to pass it.
Labour MPs are challenging the PM over plans to toughen asylum rules proposed by home secretary Shabana Mahmood, including curbs on appeals and powers to seize assets from repeat offenders. Critics say the approach risks eroding ECHR protections; No 10 insists it is firm but fair.
Ministers plan to outlaw the resale of event tickets above face value, curbing industrial-scale touting and bot purchases. Marketplaces would face new obligations and penalties. The aim is to lower costs and improve access for music and sports fans after high-profile sales controversies.
The Chancellor is expected to abandon a planned rise in betting duty affecting horse racing, easing fears of a budget hit to the sport and rural jobs. Duties would remain unchanged while ministers consider alternative ways to raise revenue.
Ministers unveiled sweeping asylum reforms to tighten eligibility, speed decisions and cut costs. The plans triggered a Labour backbench rebellion, testing the PM’s authority as critics warn of severe consequences and potential legal challenges.