The UK is tightening rules for migrants granted asylum who wish to bring family members, introducing tougher English language standards and requiring access to sufficient funds. New legislation will reform the asylum appeals system. Channel crossings fell in August, but smuggling gangs are putting more people on each boat, averaging 65 individuals per vessel. The government aims to end hotel accommodation for migrants arriving on small boats and increase enforcement against people‑smuggling, with the National Crime Agency recording 347 disruptions of immigration crime networks in 2024‑25, a 40% rise and the highest level on record. An Appeal Court overturned a temporary injunction preventing Home Office use of a hotel in Epping, and local council action is pending.
When a person is granted asylum in the UK, they can apply to bring their family too but Cooper believes changes to policies across Europe mean the UK is now out of kilter with its neighbours and restrictions are needed. In the Commons this afternoon she is expected to set out the criteria that family members will need to meet - including tougher English language standards and access to sufficient funds.
Cooper will say the government's overhaul of a "broken" asylum system seeks to end the use of hotels for migrants arriving on small boats - an issue which has led to protests in recent months. She will also highlight the National Crime Agency's efforts in tackling people smugglers, saying it led 347 disruptions of immigration crime networks in 2024-25 - the highest level on record and a 40% increase on the previous 12 months.
In August 55 small boats crossed the Channel. It was the lowest figure for the month since 2019. Yet the smuggling gangs seem to be putting more people on each boat - last month there was an average of 65 individuals per vessel. The Conservatives say "Labour's claim to have smashed the gangs is completely discredited". Reform UK say the "government's words aren't matching the reality".
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