UK religious leaders urge Mahmood to slow down and rethink' refugee plans

"We urge ministers to slow down and rethink their proposals, which contain serious flaws. Massive changes to rules that could shape the lives of more than a million people in the UK for the next 20 years or more should not be made in haste."

"Under the plans, adults and accompanied children claiming asylum will receive a 30-month period of protection, if it is granted. If after 30 months the countries from which they fled are deemed safe, they will be expected to return home."

"It would end the current system whereby refugees are given five years of protection and allowed to bring their families, followed by possible permanent settlement. Mahmood's plans would involve forcibly removing families including children who refuse the government's offer to leave voluntarily."

Religious leaders including seven bishops, three rabbis, and an imam have expressed grave concerns about Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's proposed changes to UK asylum settlement and citizenship rules. The reforms would replace the current system of five-year protection followed by possible permanent settlement with a 30-month temporary protection period. After this period, if countries are deemed safe, refugees would be expected to return home. The government plans to forcibly remove families, including children, who refuse voluntary departure offers. Religious leaders argue the changes are rushed, lack proper consideration, and will damage integration and social cohesion. Over 100 Labour backbenchers share these concerns about undermining government commitment to social cohesion.

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