FEARS OVER ASYLUM SYSTEM SHAKE-UP

Mahmood unveils hardline plans on removals

- BY DAVE BURKE

SHABANA Mahmood said the UK had not been tough enough on the removal of asylum seekers as she unveiled the biggest shakeup in a generation, sparking a backlash.

The Home Secretary announced a string of hardline measures, ordering officials to stop being hesitant about kicking out families including children.

And she told the Commons the government is investigating enforced returns to Syria after the brutal regime led by Bashar al-Assad was toppled.

But the proposals left people with questions last night, with concerns over fairness, effectiveness and whether her own party will back it

In a policy document yesterday Mahmood accused her predecessors of being a soft touch, writing: "We have shown ourselves unwilling to show the necessary toughness or resolve to assert our right to return those with no right to be here."

Under new rules, people granted asylum will have to wait 20 years to apply to settle permanently.

Those awarded the protection will have their status reviewed every two-and-a-half years. But the measures were condemned by Labour backbenchers and human rights activists.