Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Labour's new policies for asylum seekers

994 replies

frommyheadtomyfeet · 17/11/2025 07:51

Are rumoured to follow Denmark's, which include the seizure of valuables from people arriving here to pay their accommodation costs.

Is anyone else disgusted by this?! How will it work, they can take people's jewellery, phones etc., and leave them with nothing? What sort of message does that send?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
9
Southernecho · 17/11/2025 20:25

Puzzledandpissedoff · 17/11/2025 19:57

The ECHR has overturned just 13 UK deportation decisions since 1981

I wasn't thinking of deportations, @Southernecho, but of some of the measures being suggested for while migrants are still here, and frankly I believe it's unlikely to get as far as the ECHR anyway because backbenchers will have killed such initiatives before it ever gets to that point

i think Farage and reform don’t want to make government - they want to influence from outside. To change policy. To change culture. But not govern

Edited to add I agree, @Rosie8880, but then I honestly don't think Reform would be capable of governing, being a mere pressure group rather than a proper political party
As you say, the mess they're making of the few councils where they've been elected is a case in point and the idea of them governing the entire country's unthinkable

Edited

As i pointed out, 18 Lab MPs have voiced concerns and Denmark is in the ECHR.
So i think your worries are misplaced.

More widely, i think that many on the right are worried Labour do mange to reduce boat crossings, as they have done legal migration, its now less than half than when they took over.

juldan · 17/11/2025 20:21

frommyheadtomyfeet · 17/11/2025 08:40

It’s a bit different selling a house to find care than stealing jewellery!!!

@frommyheadtomyfeet Selling jewellery to fund care/services is not stealing. How is it different to selling a house? The house has most likely been the family home for decades and has definitely more sentimental value than a ring or a phone.

JustAnotherView · 17/11/2025 20:14

OneDearWasp · 17/11/2025 20:04

Yes. The GDP per capita argument. I've heard it loads of times. It has initial pull. But it is possible that GDP would have been even lower both in total and per capita without migration.

Farage's figure of £254 billion cost of low skilled migrants has been withdrawn by the original think tank that came up with it. There's plausible arguments that the actual figure might even be a positive figure.

I dont KNOW that migration is a net benefit but equally the idea that its all just a negative financial impact seems to be one of those truths that has come into being simply by being repeated enough times.

it is interesting how the debate that started being about illegal immigration turns into a debate about migration in general. Migration comes in many forms and the whole point of a migration regime is not necessarily to reduce migration to zero but to manage it, including by considering the contribution that people would make to the country. Illegal migration tries to bypass that and, imho, needs to be reduced.
I happened to do a fair amount of economic models in the run up to Brexit - up to that point, the net impact of EU migration to the UK had been positive. The skilled workers schemes would be expected to major also on people making a positive contribution. I think it is fair to say, as others have pointed out, that the same cannot be said of groups of illegal immigrants claiming asylum.
Beyond the net contribution, there is a longer term impact of migration in-so-far as it engenders a dependency on foreign skills / labour. That needs to be addressed with other policies, beyond migration ones - including a reform of the benefits and education system, for starters.

Teanbiscuits33 · 17/11/2025 20:12

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 17/11/2025 20:10

Just pointing out that when someone complains about the lack of integration of Brits in Spain then maybe they should consider that the signs in Whitechapel are mostly in Bengali.

Yes, and people are complaining about it, so point proven then.

AlertGoldDeer · 17/11/2025 20:12

Dollymylove · 17/11/2025 19:44

Yet the "all refugees welcome" deputy leader of the Greens doesnt want 600 illegal men being billeted close to her home.
How deliciously ironic 🤣

Yeah, what an example to set. The far left love open borders. Until they have to live near asylum seekers. Then it’s someone else’s problem. That’s why no one, bar a few angry activist types take these people seriously.

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 17/11/2025 20:10

Teanbiscuits33 · 17/11/2025 19:23

No, since I live absolutely nowhere near there, but if you’re asking me that question because there are a lot of immigrants there and you’re complaining about it, then your post has just proven my point perfectly!

Just pointing out that when someone complains about the lack of integration of Brits in Spain then maybe they should consider that the signs in Whitechapel are mostly in Bengali.

AlertGoldDeer · 17/11/2025 20:10

A million migrants in this country on benefits? Why are we bringing people in who cannot afford to pay for themselves, let alone contribute to the economy?

OneDearWasp · 17/11/2025 20:10

covilha · 17/11/2025 19:55

I think labelling everyone who wishes to protect their country’s borders a vile racist is a rather unhelpful overgeneralisation, don’t you @frommyheadtomyfeet?
What about those veterans whose bravey we commended, and rightly so, earlier this mont? I very much hope you do not think this term applies to them.
Asylum seekers are meant to seek asylum in the first safe country they come to, do you think Labour is encouraging compliance with the rule?

Asylum seekers are not expected to seek asylum in the first safe country. Maybe they should, but it isn't a requirement.

I agree with you in your opposition to unhelpful overgeneralisations.

Teanbiscuits33 · 17/11/2025 20:04

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:52

And i think Farage and reform don’t want to make government - they want to influence from outside. To change policy. To change culture. But not govern. The chaos of Kent county council for example - in fact every reform council is in chaos. What I think could happen is Farage steps down closer to an election and a new leader is put in place. Reform may win the majority of votes but would need to form a coalition. I doubt any party would do so … bar DUP. Just hope the left collaborate and the good message of hope the greens currently are pushing brings libs, Labour and greens together to beat the looney reform lot

But whether or not Farage actually wants to govern, he’s obviously got a nefarious agenda. He is wanting to try and force Labour’s hand to leave the ECHR so that rich business owners can benefit from reduced employee rights. Even the Tories are talking about leaving now.

He did exactly the same over Brexit. He campaigned hard for it to force David Cameron to call a referendum and then did a runner when leave won so that he didn’t have to take the flack and left someone else to take the blame so he could come up smelling of roses at phase 2! Look at the mess that left us in.

He is so very transparent to me. I can see why things are going the way they are as he is very talented at understanding psychology obviously, but it’s such a shame

OneDearWasp · 17/11/2025 20:04

Menopausalsourpuss · 17/11/2025 19:57

This is all bollocks. In particular I take issue with people who say we are a rich country, we really aren't anymore, we're about 26th country for gdp per capita (the only measure that counts) and dropping further every year in most part because we are importing millions of people who are a net cost and also millions of young healthy people getting high benefits (often more than people in work). We are due to be overtaken by Turkey and Latvia in the next 15 years and when people realise how poor we are they're going to be extremely angry with the terrible leaders we've had for the last 20 years who are to blame. Bring it on as then we might have a chance to turn things round (probably with out the legacy parties who've got us in this mess).

Yes. The GDP per capita argument. I've heard it loads of times. It has initial pull. But it is possible that GDP would have been even lower both in total and per capita without migration.

Farage's figure of £254 billion cost of low skilled migrants has been withdrawn by the original think tank that came up with it. There's plausible arguments that the actual figure might even be a positive figure.

I dont KNOW that migration is a net benefit but equally the idea that its all just a negative financial impact seems to be one of those truths that has come into being simply by being repeated enough times.

rogueherries · 17/11/2025 19:59

Menopausalsourpuss · 17/11/2025 19:57

This is all bollocks. In particular I take issue with people who say we are a rich country, we really aren't anymore, we're about 26th country for gdp per capita (the only measure that counts) and dropping further every year in most part because we are importing millions of people who are a net cost and also millions of young healthy people getting high benefits (often more than people in work). We are due to be overtaken by Turkey and Latvia in the next 15 years and when people realise how poor we are they're going to be extremely angry with the terrible leaders we've had for the last 20 years who are to blame. Bring it on as then we might have a chance to turn things round (probably with out the legacy parties who've got us in this mess).

Very well said.

OneDearWasp · 17/11/2025 19:57

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I haven't been back for a while but I always found it crowded and busy. Full of life. With a spanking new Elizabeth Line station. Not the prettiest part of London. Not particularly depressing though. Its a subjective idea anyway.

Menopausalsourpuss · 17/11/2025 19:57

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:10

Migrants have built Britains wealth.
from Romans to Hugenots to Jews to Irish to Afro-Carribeans and on and on. It could be argued that considering England is an island and the vast amount of international interests (read: Empire) plus general trade, the English are a mix of many many many ethnicities, races - somewhere done the gene pool it’s more than likely we all have various heritage lines. I mean, our Royal family are German. And have a mix of Spanish, Greek etc too. We are a broad church of peoples here. It’s a good thing.
Migration isn’t an issue, nor are the 37,000 or so asylum seekers that come to Uk (compare us to Germany and it’s shameful how little asylm seekers we actually take in.). It’s money that is the issue - where is it all going? We make plenty of it here. It’s not going back into industry. It’s not going into the pockets of workers as wages has stagnated. It’s not going into the welfare state. So where is the money….Tax wealth not work.

Edited

This is all bollocks. In particular I take issue with people who say we are a rich country, we really aren't anymore, we're about 26th country for gdp per capita (the only measure that counts) and dropping further every year in most part because we are importing millions of people who are a net cost and also millions of young healthy people getting high benefits (often more than people in work). We are due to be overtaken by Turkey and Latvia in the next 15 years and when people realise how poor we are they're going to be extremely angry with the terrible leaders we've had for the last 20 years who are to blame. Bring it on as then we might have a chance to turn things round (probably with out the legacy parties who've got us in this mess).

Puzzledandpissedoff · 17/11/2025 19:57

The ECHR has overturned just 13 UK deportation decisions since 1981

I wasn't thinking of deportations, @Southernecho, but of some of the measures being suggested for while migrants are still here, and frankly I believe it's unlikely to get as far as the ECHR anyway because backbenchers will have killed such initiatives before it ever gets to that point

i think Farage and reform don’t want to make government - they want to influence from outside. To change policy. To change culture. But not govern

Edited to add I agree, @Rosie8880, but then I honestly don't think Reform would be capable of governing, being a mere pressure group rather than a proper political party
As you say, the mess they're making of the few councils where they've been elected is a case in point and the idea of them governing the entire country's unthinkable

covilha · 17/11/2025 19:55

I think labelling everyone who wishes to protect their country’s borders a vile racist is a rather unhelpful overgeneralisation, don’t you @frommyheadtomyfeet?
What about those veterans whose bravey we commended, and rightly so, earlier this mont? I very much hope you do not think this term applies to them.
Asylum seekers are meant to seek asylum in the first safe country they come to, do you think Labour is encouraging compliance with the rule?

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:52

Teanbiscuits33 · 17/11/2025 19:46

Because they’re being fed the narrative by Farage et al. that it’s the ECHR that are stopping mass deportations. Nothing but a smoke screen to manipulate people into giving up their human rights to be at the mercy of Reform when they get in.

It’s no coincidence he’s also talking about taking away workers rights etc as well. We will have no recourse.

It’s sad people are so badly misinformed but they will get what they vote for I suppose.

And i think Farage and reform don’t want to make government - they want to influence from outside. To change policy. To change culture. But not govern. The chaos of Kent county council for example - in fact every reform council is in chaos. What I think could happen is Farage steps down closer to an election and a new leader is put in place. Reform may win the majority of votes but would need to form a coalition. I doubt any party would do so … bar DUP. Just hope the left collaborate and the good message of hope the greens currently are pushing brings libs, Labour and greens together to beat the looney reform lot

Teanbiscuits33 · 17/11/2025 19:46

Southernecho · 17/11/2025 19:41

The ECHR has overturned just 13 UK deportation decisions since 1981.

So i'm not sure why you think they would scupper Labours plans, especially when they haven't scuppered Denmark's policies.

Denmark, of course, is a strong backer of the ECHR, with a mainly left of centre Government.

Because they’re being fed the narrative by Farage et al. that it’s the ECHR that are stopping mass deportations. Nothing but a smoke screen to manipulate people into giving up their human rights to be at the mercy of Reform when they get in.

It’s no coincidence he’s also talking about taking away workers rights etc as well. We will have no recourse.

It’s sad people are so badly misinformed but they will get what they vote for I suppose.

Acommonreader · 17/11/2025 19:45

Sweetiedarling7 · 17/11/2025 08:06

I am a lifelong labour voter. I have great sympathy for those fleeing terror.
However, if we refuse to see the writing on the wall and call anybody who wants to limit immigration a racist then this will end with Nigel Farage in number 10.

This is my feeling too. I don’t like how this issue is seemingly dominating politics and the media . In real life I don’t know anyone who supports the flags and shouts at hotels! Unfortunately those people are shouting very loudly and do need placating with something. It feels lose lose but PP is correct- the alternative with be Reform everywhere.

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:44

HearMeOutt · 17/11/2025 19:41

I think you’ve confused me with another poster.

No worries

Dollymylove · 17/11/2025 19:44

Swiftasthewind · 17/11/2025 09:08

It’s absolutely disgusting and a complete travesty in every sense of the word. I have been a Labour advocate all my life, and to see them become Nazis in less than a year is absolutely heartbreaking, but ultimately not surprising given the way the disgusting way working class have shifted recently.

Now I am seriously considering switching to the Greens, who will remain committed to helping bring the disadvantaged of the world to our shores for succour and safety. They will be the real key to stopping the far right from ever taking hold on these shores.

Yet the "all refugees welcome" deputy leader of the Greens doesnt want 600 illegal men being billeted close to her home.
How deliciously ironic 🤣

HearMeOutt · 17/11/2025 19:41

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:40

Your opinion matters to me as you made a comment that Britain was made for and. Y the British and migrants did not have a significant role. The British to me are a wide mix of ethnicities due to Empire, our trading history, the Commonwealth, and sheer fact we are an island. Being British means we are a wide mix of peoples. Our royal family are German descent, with spanish, French, Greek too. Curious to know what your definition and thoughts are.

Edited

I think you’ve confused me with another poster.

Southernecho · 17/11/2025 19:41

Puzzledandpissedoff · 17/11/2025 19:36

On an unrelated note I also believe Denmark says areas have to be 70% danish at the very least. This is to prevent ethnic enclaves and to make sure areas are integrated

Yes, I watched a recent programme about this @DebbiesKitchen; it was said people are being moved if necessary to prevent ethnic imbalance and one man was insisting that they shouldn't be taking "his house" from him - which seemed a bit ironic since it was actually a state-provided house and they'd be giving him another one

Otherwise I'm not sure why many are getting so riled up about something which almost certainly won't happen. If the backbenchers don't scupper this the ECHR probably will, so Labour will have to find something else to out-Farage Nigel, and they'll doubtless scupper that too

The ECHR has overturned just 13 UK deportation decisions since 1981.

So i'm not sure why you think they would scupper Labours plans, especially when they haven't scuppered Denmark's policies.

Denmark, of course, is a strong backer of the ECHR, with a mainly left of centre Government.

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:40

HearMeOutt · 17/11/2025 19:29

Because what I think doesn’t matter, you can formulate your own opinion using logic that already exists in your brain.

Your opinion matters to me as you made a comment that Britain was made for and. Y the British and migrants did not have a significant role. The British to me are a wide mix of ethnicities due to Empire, our trading history, the Commonwealth, and sheer fact we are an island. Being British means we are a wide mix of peoples. Our royal family are German descent, with spanish, French, Greek too. Curious to know what your definition and thoughts are.

OneDearWasp · 17/11/2025 19:39

Rosie8880 · 17/11/2025 19:25

What do you mean? What’s happening in Whitechapel. ( I lived behind the mosque in the 90s as a student and lived in east London for years, so know the area well) wanna know what you mean tho.

I worked in Primary schools in E1 for over 20 years. One school had 95-100% Bangladeshi pupils while I was there.

A couple of generations earlier the same school was mainly Jewish.

The Mosque in Brick Lane has a huge Star of David as it was previously a Synagogue which had been converted from a Hugenot chapel.

Now that school is closed because many young are moving out to buy in a cheaper area. (Whitechapel is in walking distance of the City of London not far from Canary Wharf so a very expensive part of London to rent or buy).

So its gentrifying and changing. Again.

I'm not sure what this has to do with Labour asylum policy however.

DebbiesKitchen · 17/11/2025 19:38

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.