Immigration · 16 November 2025
Home Secretary Mahmood Warns Illegal Migration 'Tearing UK Apart'
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has declared that illegal migration is tearing Britain apart and dividing communities as she prepares to announce the most significant asylum system overhaul in modern times. The reforms will make refugee status temporary with regular review periods, quadruple the wait for permanent settlement to 20 years, and remove guaranteed housing and weekly allowances for asylum seekers. Over 39,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, exceeding 2024 totals, prompting concerns about public consent for the asylum system collapsing without urgent action.
Reported by CNN · How we write briefs