Times Front Page 18th of November 2025

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.

Independent Front Page 18th of November 2025

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.