How serious is Labour backlash over asylum plans?

"The language in the accompanying document published by the government was starker, arguing that the "hesitancy" to deport families "creates particularly perverse incentives" - namely, encouraging asylum seekers to bring children with them on the perilous journey across the Channel. "Once in the UK, asylum seekers are able to exploit the fact that they have had children and put down roots in order to thwart removal, even if their claim has been legally refused," the document says."

"A handful of them raised the issue with Mahmood in the Commons on Monday - particularly the question of how children being deported alongside their parents would be treated. This is likely to sit alongside the conversion of refugee status into a temporary status and the quadrupling of the waiting period for refugees to get permanent residence in the UK from five to 20 years as the most controversial features of Mahmood's reforms."

The proposals prioritize removal of people with failed asylum claims, including family groups and children. An accompanying government document states that hesitancy to deport families creates perverse incentives, encouraging asylum seekers to bring children on dangerous Channel crossings and then use those children to thwart removal. Families with rejected claims will be offered financial incentives to return; refusal will lead to deportation. There will be a consultation on procedures to enforce removals involving children. Refugee status will be converted to a temporary status and the qualifying period for permanent residence will increase from five to 20 years. The measures will require primary legislation and are expected to provoke controversy among opposition MPs.

Read at www.bbc.com