The UK government has confirmed to The National it will continue its “proud tradition” of welcoming political asylum seekers despite the introduction of strict new migration laws.
Refugees will now have to live in the UK for 20 years before they can settle permanently, after a sweeping overhaul of the asylum system announced by the Home Office on Monday.
The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is part of the most significant shake-up of Britain’s approach to asylum seekers in modern times.
The British government is determined to assert its authority by clamping down on illegal migrants and it is feared those seeking political persecution will be subject to the tough new rules.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has led the shake-up of Britain’s approach to asylum seekers. EPA
Asked by The National whether the UK would continue to welcome those fleeing conflict and oppression, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said the government would “never seek to return anyone to be tortured in their own country”.
“We're proud of being an open and tolerant country, and those are values that this Prime Minister will always defend, but the public rightly holds conditions to this generosity,” the spokesman added. “These plans are about reducing the pressures caused by uncontrolled immigration, keeping Britain true to its proud tradition of offering refuge to those fleeing danger.”
He insisted the latest policy was to make Britain “less attractive for illegal migrants” but said there would be safe and legal routes “for genuine refugees”.
Continue Reading on The National UAE
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.