Labour has unveiled a supposed “overhaul” of Britain’s asylum system—but critics say the plan does little to restore control of the country’s borders.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed on Wednesday that the new measures would cut costs by £1 billion a year, by speeding up asylum decisions and ending the practice of housing claimants in hotels. But for many, the announcement is too little, too late.
Under Labour’s watch, the asylum crisis has spiralled. Official figures show applications have tripled in just a year—from a long-term average of 27,500 to 84,200 in 2024—creating a backlog in the tens of thousands.
Instead of cracking down on illegal crossings, the government has resorted to vague promises of “return centres” abroad for failed claimants. No countries have been named, and no concrete timetable given.
The statistics speak for themselves: in 2023, over 11% of the UK’s migrant population were asylum seekers or refugees—nearly double the level from just four years earlier. Channel crossings continue to surge, with no sign Labour has the political will to stop them.
Despite the rhetoric, voters concerned about border control may find little reassurance in Labour’s latest scheme.
