Today in Focus Is this Labour’s hostile environment?
10 snips
Nov 19, 2025 Jessica Elgot, Deputy Political Editor at The Guardian, dives into the radical asylum reforms proposed by Shabana Mahmood. She discusses why these changes are necessary and outlines key measures, including a controversial 20-year path to settlement. Elgot examines tightening family reunion policies and the implications of asset seizures on refugees. The conversation also highlights public perceptions influencing tougher immigration laws and whether Mahmood can balance compassion with stricter rules for asylum seekers.
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Temporary Status Over Permanent Settlement
- Labour plans to end refugees' automatic path to permanent settlement and reassess status every 30 months.
- This creates long-term instability that could hinder integration and increase reliance on benefits.
Reassessment Creates Practical Barriers
- Regular reassessments every 2.5 years would leave refugees living in limbo, making mortgages and business starts difficult.
- The Danish model increased deportations but also left many refugees more likely to be on state benefits.
Family Reunion Restricted Tightely
- The Home Office will clamp down on family reunification, making it much harder for refugees to bring relatives.
- Only those who move to work or study routes and meet strict tests will qualify for family reunion.