Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed plans to suspend all new applications under the refugee family reunion route as part of measures to address the asylum backlog and reduce Channel crossings. Refugees will now follow the standard family migration rules, requiring a minimum joint income of £29,000 before relatives can join them in the UK. Cooper also announced a new independent body to accelerate asylum appeals and confirmed the first returns of small-boat arrivals under an agreement with France.
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The changes have sparked criticism from refugee charities, who warn the new rules may force more people to turn to smugglers. Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, said limiting safe routes for women and children could push them into dangerous journeys. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council echoed these concerns, highlighting that family reunions were one of the only legal avenues for refugees fleeing conflict to be reunited with loved ones.
Cooper explained that the reforms are intended to stop people-smuggling gangs from exploiting family reunion rules. She noted that previously, refugees waited up to two years after protection to apply, but applications are now often submitted within a month, putting pressure on local housing and services. The government also plans tighter standards for asylum accommodation and aims to close all hotels currently housing migrants in a controlled and orderly manner.
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The Home Secretary indicated that changes would also affect how Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights is interpreted, balancing the right to family life with national and public safety concerns. While some politicians have called for broader reform of the ECHR, ministers emphasised the UK’s continued commitment to international law, noting its role in enabling agreements with European partners to manage migration effectively.
