Ministers have this week announced a far-reaching set of reforms to modernise the asylum system. The aim is to stop the criminal gangs who profit from human suffering and reduce dangerous small boat crossings.
Alongside this, the Government is strengthening the UK’s commitment to those fleeing genuine persecution by creating new safe and legal routes, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups, such as children.
The reforms will also expand opportunities for study and employment for those who come here safely and legally.
Over the past few years, asylum claims have risen sharply, with more than 400,000 people applying since 2021. While irregular crossings have attracted the most attention, a significant number have claimed asylum after entering legally on visas, adding pressure to the system and local communities.
Since taking office, the Government has reduced the asylum backlog by half and removed nearly 50,000 people with no right to remain, while also speeding up decision-making.
The next phase of reforms focuses on supporting genuine refugees, their integration into society, and restoring fairness to the system.
The new measures include new safe and legal routes, including expanded community sponsorship, capped humanitarian programmes, and new pathways for vulnerable groups.
Faster, clearer asylum decisions, with a simplified appeals process to reduce delays and improve certainty for applicants.
Stronger protections for genuine refugees, ensuring support is targeted to those most at risk.
Finally, tackling dangerous journeys, by reducing reliance on criminal gangs and encouraging people to use legal routes instead of taking life-threatening risks.
Responding to the announcement of the plans by the Home Secretary, city MP Stephen Morgan said:
“The UK has a proud tradition of offering sanctuary to those in danger, and I am proud of the part Portsmouth has played as a welcoming city in making this happen. This is, after all, the country that gave refuge to Ukrainians after the Russian invasion, Afghans after the evacuation of Kabul, and honoured commitments to the people of Hong Kong.
The reforms announced by Ministers put compassion and control at the heart of the system, creating safe, legal, and supervised pathways while relieving pressure on communities across the country and ending the exploitation of vulnerable people.
I know that Britain will always play its part in offering protection as an open, tolerant and generous place, and I will make sure Portsmouth’s voice is heard as plans progress”.
Genuine refugees deserve safety. That’s why Government plans to expand legal pathways to the UK with new safe and legal routes including expanded community sponsorship, capped humanitarian programmes, and new pathways for vulnerable groups.
Plans announced by the Home Secretary will help vulnerable people escape persecution without turning to dangerous and exploitative small boat crossings.
