The King’s Speech has set out the UK government’s legislative agenda for the coming year, with immigration and asylum reform among the most politically significant areas announced.
In the speech itself, the immigration section was brief. The government said that legislation would be introduced to “increase confidence in the security of the immigration and asylum systems.” However, further briefing documents released afterwards provided more detail on what the proposed Immigration and Asylum Bill is expected to include.
The plans focus on three main areas: reforming the asylum system, speeding up removals, and tightening rules around immigration control, human rights claims, age assessments, and modern slavery protections.
Key Proposals in the Immigration and Asylum Bill
| Area | Proposed Change | Main Concern |
| Asylum system | New model based on contribution, integration, and respect for UK laws | Lack of detail and risk of unnecessary primary legislation |
| Refugee status | More temporary protection and greater scope for revocation | Could create uncertainty for refugees |
| Appeals | Creation of a new independent appeals body | Risk of rushed decisions and reduced access to justice |
| Removals | Immediate removal after appeal rights are exhausted | Practical barriers may still remain |
| Age assessments | Stronger checks on migrants claiming to be children | Genuine children may be wrongly treated as adults |
| Article 8 | Narrower use of family and private life rights | Families, including British citizens, may be affected |
| Modern slavery | Changes to late trafficking and exploitation claims | Victims may be denied protection if they disclose late |
| Exploitation | More tools for law enforcement | Enforcement alone may not fix worker vulnerability |
UK Government Announces Immigration and Asylum Bill
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the proposed legislation as part of a plan to create a “firm but fair” immigration system that restores public trust and strengthens control.
The government has pointed to rising asylum claims, continued small boat crossings, and the cost of asylum accommodation as reasons for reform. According to the briefing, more than 400,000 people have claimed asylum in the UK since 2021, while over 100,000 people are currently living in taxpayer-funded accommodation.
The government also says asylum claims in the UK have risen faster than in parts of Europe, arguing that radical reform is needed to reduce illegal arrivals and speed up decision-making.
However, charities, campaigners, and some MPs have warned that the proposed changes risk weakening legal protections for refugees, trafficking victims, families, and children.
1. Reforming the UK Asylum System
One of the central proposals is the introduction of a new asylum model based on:
- Contribution
- Integration
- Respect for UK laws
The government says this model will help create a more secure and accountable asylum system. A new “core protection” model is also expected to be introduced, although details remain limited.
There are also plans to make refugee status more temporary, with greater scope to revoke protection where circumstances change. Current international refugee law already allows refugee status to end in certain situations, such as when the person’s country becomes safe again. The key question is whether the government plans to go further than existing rules.
Another controversial proposal is the idea that refugees may be expected to contribute to the cost of accommodation once they are able to do so. Critics argue this would be unfair, particularly because many asylum seekers are unable to work while waiting for their claims to be processed and may spend years in government-provided accommodation due to delays in the system.
2. Faster Removals and a New Appeals Body
The government also plans to reform the immigration appeals process. This means a new independent appeals body is expected to be created as part of the end-to-end immigration system. The stated aim is to ensure that cases move more quickly through the system and that people who lose their appeals can be removed without further delay.
The Bill is expected to allow for the “immediate forced removal” of people who have exhausted all appeal rights.
However, this raises practical questions. Delays in removals are often not only caused by legal appeals. They can also result from administrative problems within the Home Office, difficulties obtaining travel documents, or the refusal of some countries to accept returned nationals.
The government has also said it will seek more return agreements with other countries and continue efforts to deport foreign criminals more quickly.
3. Age Assessments and Child Protection
The Bill is also expected to strengthen age assessment rules for migrants who claim to be children.
The government says this is needed to identify adults who falsely claim to be under 18. However, critics point out that some genuine children have previously been wrongly assessed as adults, which can expose them to serious safeguarding risks.
This is likely to remain one of the most sensitive parts of the legislation. Any reform will need to balance fraud prevention with child protection, fairness, and accurate decision-making.
4. Article 8 and Family Life Claims
The government has again signalled plans to restrict the use of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to private and family life.
Some migrants who do not qualify under standard immigration rules rely on Article 8 arguments to remain in the UK, especially where they have family ties, children, or long-established private lives in the country.
The government appears to want to define family life more narrowly, potentially limiting it to the nuclear family. This could make it harder for some people to remain in the UK on human rights grounds.
Supporters of reform argue that Article 8 is being used too broadly. Critics argue that the real problem is that UK immigration rules are too rigid and often fail to properly respect family life, especially where British citizens are involved.
5. Modern Slavery and Late Claims
The proposed legislation is also expected to amend the UK’s modern slavery framework. The government has specifically referred to concerns about the late presentation of modern slavery claims. This further suggests ministers may seek to limit the ability of people facing removal to raise trafficking or exploitation claims at a late stage.
6. Tackling Exploitation
The government has said the Bill will provide law enforcement with stronger tools to tackle exploitation and improve the identification and support of children.
Concerns remain around tied visas, insecure immigration status, weak employment enforcement, and limited access to justice for exploited workers.