Anger over crackdown on refugee families

Yvette Cooper has been accused of pushing children "into the arms of people smugglers" after halting a scheme allowing refugees to bring their families to the UK.

- Rajeev Syal

The home secretary said the refugee family reunion route was at risk of exploitation and that she would "temporarily suspend new applications" until tougher rules were introduced next year.

People who have had their asylum claim accepted will instead have to apply through the standard family scheme for UK citizens, who have to show that they have a joint income of at least £29,000 a year before they are allowed to bring a partner to the UK.

The move comes as Keir Starmer's government remains under pressure over immigration after a summer of protests outside hotels used to house asylum seekers while their claims are being assessed.

It follows a fivefold increase in the number of refugees' family members granted visas to come to the UK, from 4,300 in 2023 to 20,600 in the year to this March.

In a statement to the Commons, Cooper said people smugglers were exploiting the family scheme to promote "dangerous" Channel crossings to potential asylum seekers.

"We need to address the immediate pressures on local authorities and the risks from criminal gangs using family reunion as a pull factor to encourage more people on to boats.