Liberal Democrats warn Labour asylum reforms risk “ripping frightened children from their communities”

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds has issued a stark warning over Labour Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposed asylum reforms, arguing they risk causing deep and lasting harm to vulnerable children and families who have already begun to rebuild their lives in Wales.

The Labour Governments plans would make refugee status temporary, remove guaranteed housing support for asylum seekers and introduce capped “safe and legal routes” into the UK.

Raising the issue at First Minister’s Questions, Dodds challenged the Welsh Government to speak out about the consequences. She told the Senedd she is “shocked by the Home Secretary's plans that, as we understand, would see children and families - children who are already frightened and vulnerable and potentially very settled in their communities - being ripped out, potentially a forced removal back to a country that many of them don't know. No one wants to get into a small boat and cross a huge expanse of water, but that's what they're faced with when there are no safe and legal routes.”

In reply, First Minister Eluned Morgan said “we've got to note the significant contribution that migrants make to our country” and warned against “creating an otherness of people who have made their homes amongst us.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have consistently argued that the UK government should prioritise expanding safe routes, speeding up decisions and supporting families to integrate, rather than creating uncertainty through temporary status and restrictive caps.

Speaking after FMQs, Jane Dodds said:

“Children and families who have fled danger deserve safety and stability, not the threat of being uprooted and sent to a country they may barely remember. These reforms would make life harder for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and would tear at the fabric of the communities they have become part of.

“Wales can and should stand for compassion. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for an asylum system that treats people with dignity and gives families the chance to rebuild their lives securely.”

ENDS