Labour’s newly appointed Home Secretary has issued a warning that the UK may halt visa issuance for countries that refuse to cooperate on migrant return agreements. Shabana Mahmood revealed that discussions on this matter have taken place with Five Eyes allies during crucial talks in London focused on border security. Mahmood emphasized the importance of collaboration, especially regarding countries failing to repatriate their citizens.
The Home Secretary stressed the need for all nations to adhere to regulations and accept the return of individuals not entitled to stay in the UK. Mahmood highlighted the potential coordinated actions among Five Eyes countries, including the possibility of restricting visas in the future as a means to enforce compliance with established rules.
In ongoing discussions with counterparts from the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the focus remains on combatting people smuggling, with a firm commitment to prevent irregular small boat crossings. Mahmood reiterated the government’s dedication to upholding border security measures and ensuring that countries unwilling to cooperate on returns face consequences.
The current administration faces increasing pressure to address the asylum system challenges inherited from the previous government. As of June, over 32,000 individuals were residing in hotels while awaiting processing of their asylum applications. Opposition leader Keir Starmer has urged swift action to expedite the closure of asylum hotels, with senior ministers, including the Defence Secretary, participating in discussions led by the Prime Minister on this matter.
To accelerate the closure of asylum hotels, the government is exploring the use of defense sites as temporary accommodation options. Defence minister Luke Pollard confirmed considerations for utilizing military and non-military facilities to provide suitable temporary housing for asylum seekers, aiming to transition individuals from hotels to these alternative accommodations and eventually shut down more hotels as part of the government’s plan.
