A new report suggests that the United Kingdom's welfare system could see a significant increase in recipients due to proposed changes in immigration policy.
According to an internal government assessment, the Labour Party's plan to grant effective amnesty to illegal immigrants might add over 40,000 individuals to Britain's welfare rolls.
As reported by Breitbart News, the assessment focuses on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intention to end the "duty to remove" policy, which currently requires the deportation of illegal migrants to offshore processing centers or their countries of origin.
If implemented, this change could grant asylum to more than 44,000 individuals previously slated for removal, effectively providing them with amnesty and full access to the UK's welfare benefits.
The Home Office document reportedly states that asylum seekers granted asylum will have complete access to the welfare system while unemployed. This policy shift raises concerns about the potential strain on public resources and the long-term financial implications for the country.
Conservative MP Nick Timothy has estimated that the welfare cost of granting amnesty to these migrants could reach £17.8 billion over their lifetimes. This figure starkly contrasts with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper's claim that ending the Rwanda and Duty to Remove schemes would save taxpayers approximately £7 billion.
The discrepancy between these figures has sparked debate about the true economic impact of the proposed policy changes. Critics argue that the Labour Party's plan may underestimate the long-term costs associated with providing welfare support to a large number of new recipients.
The report has elicited strong responses from various political figures. Former Conservative immigration minister Robert Jenrick expressed concern about the potential consequences of the Labour Party's proposed amnesty.
Jenrick stated:
Sir Keir has surrendered to the people smuggling gangs with an amnesty for illegal migrants. And it's the British taxpayer who will be made to pick up the eye-watering bill for his capitulation. Sir Keir's decision will only add to the problem of waiting lists for GP surgeries, the shortage of social housing and pressure on school places. Instead of prioritising Brits, Labour is set to overwhelm local authorities with tens of thousands more illegal migrants they should have instead removed.
In response to the criticism, a Labour Party spokesperson defended their position, arguing that the current situation under the Conservative government is unsustainable. They pointed out that the existing system has led to a record asylum backlog, with over 220,000 individuals currently in the asylum system.
The Labour spokesperson emphasized that the current approach, which involves indefinitely housing asylum seekers in taxpayer-funded accommodation, could cost between £30-40 billion. They assert that their proposed changes aim to address this issue more effectively.
This ongoing debate occurs against the backdrop of continuing illegal Channel crossings. Recent reports indicate that more than 20,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel this year, with over 6,000 arriving since the Labour Party came to power last month.
The proposed amnesty for illegal migrants in the UK has sparked intense debate about its potential impact on the country's welfare system. The internal government assessment suggesting an addition of 44,000 individuals to welfare rolls has raised concerns about long-term costs and strain on public services. While the Labour Party argues that their approach is necessary to address the current asylum backlog, critics warn of significant financial and social implications.
