Labour figures accuse UK government of ‘cruel’ migration policy, mirroring Conservatives

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - More than 900 Labour members and trade unionists accused the UK government of mirroring the “performative cruelty” of the Conservatives in its migration and asylum policy.

In a joint statement Monday, the group condemned the Home Office’s recent decision to deny UK citizenship to anyone who arrives via a “dangerous journey,” such as crossing the English Channel in a small boat.

The policy, revealed last week, has sparked a widespread backlash among Labour’s left-wing members and campaigners.

The statement also took aim at the Home Office’s publicity efforts, which have highlighted deportations, with recent footage and images showing people being removed from the UK on flights.

Critics argue that this approach dehumanizes migrants and asylum seekers.

The statement was coordinated by the Labour Campaign for Free Movement and the left-leaning Labour group Momentum.

Among the signatories were seven Labour members of parliament (MPs), including Nadia Whittome, Diane Abbott, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Clive Lewis, Jon Trickett, Brian Leishman and Steve Witherden.

Four former Labour MPs, now sitting as independents, and four Labour peers have also signed the statement.

The criticism highlights growing tensions within Labour’s ranks over its immigration stance.

While Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has sought to tighten migration policies, some Labour members argue that the party is adopting the rhetoric and tactics of the previous Conservative administration.