Shabana Mahmood’s plan for a Ukrainian-style refugee sponsorship scheme will open the door to thousands of new migrants, the Tories have claimed, as the Home Secretary presses ahead with safe and legal routes for refugees from conflict zones.
Modelled on Canada’s community sponsorship scheme and the UK’s Homes for Ukraine programme, the initiative would require sponsors to commit to at least 12 months of financial and emotional support. A strict annual cap is planned, but the target number is not yet known, with those offered refuge expected to come from countries such as Sudan and Eritrea.
“Tories attack Labour's refugee sponsorship scheme as open door to thousands more migrants, citing 75,000 small boat arrivals.”
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “We have already seen 75,000 illegal immigrants enter the country by small boat since the election, including 1,000 in the last week alone. Until this is stopped completely, we should not be creating new routes into the UK for asylum claimants.” He argued that many not admitted under the scheme would still try to cross the Channel, adding: “So the Government’s plan will make no difference to illegal small boat crossings, which would simply continue, in addition to any legal entrants.”
Philp also accused Labour of open-border policies, saying: “Labour’s immigration minister even wants to let low-wage migrants here on temporary work visas stay forever. Left-wing Labour MPs don’t believe in border control.”
Lee Anderson, the Reform MP, went further, claiming the scheme would “open the doors to tens of millions of people coming into the UK. Named sponsorship will mean communities in this country will now be able to import their own family members, who will claim they need to be here to stay safe.” He added: “This Government is telling the world that we are an official dumping ground for illegal migrants. Our country will become unrecognisable.”
Alan Mak, the Tory former minister, said: “Labour should focus on stopping the boats and getting illegal immigration down to zero,” while Neil O’Brien, the Conservative MP, warned: “Labour are going to import lots more people from Sudan and Eritrea at huge expense then say there is no alternative to raising your tax.”
The Home Office has so far declined to comment on the specific criticisms, though a source close to Mahmood stressed the need for safe and legal routes alongside enforcement.