Burnham backs controversial asylum bill amid Labour dissent

Labour MP Andy Burnham defied party dissent to back the government's controversial asylum bill, voting for legislation designed to overhaul the UK's immigration system. The bill, which passed its second reading in the House of Commons, aims to reduce small boat crossings and reform the asylum appeals process. It proposes tightening Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and replacing immigration judges with independent adjudicators.

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This country has always provided sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution and I’m proud of that fact. But we must accept that public consent for our asylum system is fraying.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced further amendments, including removing protections for long-term Commonwealth citizens convicted of serious crimes. She argued the changes are necessary to restore public confidence, stating, "This country has always provided sanctuary... But we must accept that public consent for our asylum system is fraying." Mahmood highlighted increased arrests of people smugglers and high asylum decisions and removals under Labour's watch.

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there was “little evidence” it would solve the problems it claimed to address.

However, the bill faced criticism from within Labour. Nadia Whittome voted against it, citing a lack of evidence for its claimed solutions, while Stella Creasy questioned new reassessment plans. Tony Vaughan pointed to poor Home Office decision-making as the driver of appeals. Even Conservatives felt the bill didn't go far enough, with the shadow home secretary proposing an amendment to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, which was defeated.

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describing it as a “Diet Coke version of refugee status”.