Starmer faces fresh challenge over asylum plans

Significant divisions exposed within Labour as angry backbenchers vow to force changes to hardline proposals

- Jessica Elgot and Rajeev Syal

Keir Starmer was facing another major challenge to his authority as angry Labour MPs vowed to force changes to new hardline migration measures that would bring an escalation in the deportations of children and families.

The policies - which include the possibility of confiscating assets from asylum seekers to contribute to costs - have caused significant divisions inside the party, with some MPs accusing their colleagues of not taking seriously public anger about illegal migration and asylum.

The Conservatives have said they could support the government to pass the tough new laws in the event of a major Labour rebellion.

The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, this week outlined a number of radical measures, including how the government will attempt to change the way the European convention on human rights (ECHR) is interpreted by UK judges in an attempt to stop asylum seekers using their rights to a family life to avoid deportation.

Policies include consulting on enforcing the removal of families, including children, who have been refused the right to settle in the UK and have refused payments encouraging them to leave.