The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has confirmed it will uphold a ban on asylum seekers using modern slavery and human rights laws to challenge deportation, despite Labour previously opposing these measures.
Labour’s Tougher Stance on Immigration
Starmer is under mounting pressure to address the growing number of small boat crossings into the UK, a key concern for British voters. During his election campaign, he vowed to “smash the gangs” behind the people-smuggling trade.
On Thursday, the government introduced the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which includes:
• Seizing asylum seekers’ mobile phones to aid police in tracking people smugglers.
• Targeting suppliers of small boat components used in illegal crossings.
• Retaining a controversial measure that prevents asylum seekers from invoking modern slavery laws to fight removal.
• Allowing the detention of child asylum seekers for up to 28 days—a policy Labour previously voted against in 2023.
Labour’s Shift in Policy on Modern Slavery Laws
Labour initially opposed the modern slavery restrictions when they were passed by the Conservative government. Starmer previously argued that blocking asylum seekers from using these protections would “drive a coach and horses” through legal safeguards for trafficked women.
Similarly, Jess Phillips, now a junior minister in the Home Office, had criticized the law as a “traffickers’ dream”, warning it would make it harder to identify and protect modern slavery victims.
Channel Crossings Surge Despite Crackdowns
Immigration remains a top priority for voters, ranking second only to the economy, according to a YouGov poll.
Government statistics show:
• 36,816 people arrived in the UK via small boats in 2024, a 25% increase from 29,437 in 2023.
• 2024 is now the second-highest year for Channel crossings since records began in 2018.
Despite successive crackdowns, both legal and illegal migration remain high, fueling ongoing public and political debate.
Will the New Bill Reduce Illegal Crossings?
With immigration concerns playing a major role in the UK’s 2016 Brexit vote, Starmer’s government faces pressure to deliver results where previous administrations have failed.
Neither the Prime Minister’s office nor the Home Office responded to requests for comment on the government’s stance.
As the bill moves through Parliament, it remains to be seen whether these tougher measures will significantly reduce illegal crossings and dismantle smuggling networks.
