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Asylum Reforms: Protected Characteristics
17 December 2025
Lead MP
Kirsty Blackman
Aberdeen North
SNP
Responding Minister
Alex Norris
Tags
ImmigrationAsylum & RefugeesMigrants & BordersDefence
Word Count: 13646
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Kirsty Blackman raised concerns about asylum reforms: protected characteristics in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The UK Government needs to take into account the nuances and differences in individual circumstances when making decisions on asylum, recognising that groups with protected characteristics face additional barriers. The requirement to contribute for leave to remain disadvantages those unable to work or study fully.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There have been a lot of announcements in relation to immigration policy since the Government came into office, with a startling lack of equality impact assessments. Changes to asylum policy disproportionately affect women, queer folk, disabled people, and very young or elderly individuals due to their protected characteristics.
Alex Norris
Lab
Derby North
Stated that there are no children in detention and aims for 100% voluntary returns. Emphasized the need to reduce human trafficking's influence over who enters the country.
Carla Denyer
Green
Bristol Central
Expressed horror at proposed changes to the asylum system, focusing on impacts on women and LGBTQ individuals with protected characteristics.
Carla Lockhart
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Asked if those engaged in criminal activity should be repatriated regardless of their asylum status. Disagreed with the lead MP's views on male asylum seekers prioritizing family safety over immediate reunification.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
The Government are concerned about persuading Reform voters back into their fold, but there is an immigration problem in the country caused by the Conservatives who have run up a 90,000 asylum backlog.
West Dorset
Agrees on the duty and responsibility to bring people who have supported British troops in Afghanistan, highlighting a case where a constituent's husband was unable to join them due to being in hiding.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked about the methodology to help trafficked women who find themselves illegally in the UK due to coercion from others. Expresses concerns about the abuse of the asylum system by economic migrants, highlighting issues with illegal immigration and rising costs. Emphasizes the importance of supporting families fleeing persecution.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
He discussed the impact of age as a protected characteristic, particularly on refugee children. He criticized some Ministers' language regarding deportation and urged for safe routes and more support for integration. McDonnell also raised concerns about potential reforms retraumatizing asylum seekers and outlined specific issues such as indefinite leave status, family reunion rights, financial support, and appeals processes. Called for a system with safer routes, faster processing, and better integration.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
North East Fife
Asked the Minister to not put words in her mouth and emphasised that worthiness as a human being should not be determined by economic contribution. She also requested further clarity on special considerations for asylum seekers with protected characteristics and improvements in legal aid.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
We need an asylum system that ensures consistent and fair treatment for all those who present claims. The number of small boat crossings since the election has been well over 60,000 people.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Considers societal concerns about population growth and a shrinking economy, suggesting that these factors contribute to protests demanding closed borders.
Will Forster
LD
Woking
Mr. Forster calls for the detention of children and vulnerable individuals like pregnant women, disabled people, and survivors of gender-based violence to be abolished. He also questions the Government's stance on implementing the Istanbul convention.
Government Response
Alex Norris
The Minister for Border Security and Asylum
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Dr Huq. I thank the hon. Member for Aberdeen North (Kirsty Blackman) for securing this debate, which has been very interesting... Parliament recently passed the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, which will give us more tools to make sure our border is strengthened, improving our asylum and immigration system. Asserted that there are no children in detention and aims for 100% voluntary returns. Emphasized the need to reduce human trafficking's influence over who enters the country. Discussed the importance of safe and legal routes, advocating zero tolerance towards dangerous journeys and illegal immigration. Acknowledged the contributions from hon. Members and emphasised that individual policies will come forward with all necessary equality impact data. He stated there is time to shape the policies through discussions in this place, welcoming engagement with any interested colleagues.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.