Lord Alf Dubs, a Labour peer who escaped the Nazis as a child, has criticized the government’s tough stance on asylum rules, stating that it is moving in the wrong direction. The changes announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have sparked concerns among Labour MPs, with plans including a directive to expedite the removal of families, including children, and requiring refugees to have their status reviewed every two-and-a-half years, potentially leading to their deportation if their home country is deemed safe.
In response to Ms. Mahmood’s assertion in the Commons that the UK’s asylum support system is attracting people to the country, Lord Dubs expressed his disappointment with the newly proposed measures. He emphasized on BBC Radio 4 that these plans would escalate tensions within local communities and create a less welcoming environment in the UK. He emphasized the need for compassion in politics and criticized the hardline approach, stating that it would not deter people from seeking asylum in the country.
Lord Dubs raised concerns about the potential deportation of families with children, denouncing the use of children as leverage by the Home Secretary. He highlighted the dilemma of what would happen to children born in the UK, who are part of the community, if their parents are deported.
Regarding the suggestion of sending refugees back to their supposedly “safe” home countries, Lord Dubs cautioned against the risk of returning individuals to dangerous situations. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of individuals before repatriation and stressed the need for a more compassionate approach.
Defending the government’s measures, Cabinet minister Steve Reed stated that all Labour MPs were elected with a commitment to securing borders. He argued that compassion should not be one-sided and highlighted the dangers faced by children embarking on perilous journeys to reach the UK.