Do asylum numbers reveal an immigration crackdown under Labour?

A Record Number of Asylum Applications in 2024

The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in the history of asylum applications in the UK, with a record-breaking 108,138 people seeking refuge. This number surpassed a record that had stood for over two decades, highlighting the growing global displacement crisis and the UK’s role as a destination for those fleeing persecution and conflict. However, beneath this record lies a more complex narrative. For the first time since 2020, the UK saw more asylum applications being refused than granted. This shift in trends raises questions about the government’s approach to asylum seekers under the Labour administration, which came to power promising change but has so far delivered a mixed bag of results.

The Cost of Housing Asylum Seekers: A Growing Concern

One of the most contentious issues surrounding asylum seekers is the use of hotels and temporary accommodation to house them. The public has expressed strong opinions about this practice, and it became a focal point during the August riots, where some hotels housing asylum seekers were targeted and even set alight. Beyond the public backlash, there is also a significant financial burden associated with this practice. In 2023 alone, the UK spent £4.2 billion on hotel costs for asylum seekers, which is nearly 28% of the country’s foreign aid budget. This expenditure has become even more pressing as the foreign aid budget has been reduced to fund defence initiatives. The challenge for the government is to reduce this bill while finding more sustainable solutions for housing asylum seekers.

Labour’s Struggles in Reducing Asylum Numbers

Despite the record number of asylum applications, the number of people actually granted asylum in 2024 decreased significantly compared to the previous year. In 2023, under the Conservative government, 63,000 people were granted asylum, but this number dropped to 39,616 in 2024. This trend suggests that the Labour government is taking a tougher stance on asylum applications, though it remains to be seen if this is part of a broader strategy to reduce the overall number of asylum seekers. The government has also faced criticism for the rising number of asylum seekers in temporary accommodation, particularly in hotels, which has increased since Labour took office. The asylum backlog, which stands at 90,698 people waiting for a decision, has also grown, though there is a glimmer of hope as the backlog has decreased by 7% over the last three months.

Tackling Small Boat Arrivals: A Key Labour Pledge

Another area where Labour has sought to make its mark is in addressing the issue of small boat arrivals. The previous Conservative government had pledged to "Stop the Boats," but Labour opted for a different approach, vowing to "Smash the Gangs" that facilitate these dangerous journeys. However, the results so far have been mixed. The number of people arriving via small boats in 2024 was 25% higher than in 2023, though it remains lower than the peak in 2022. This suggests that while progress has been made, the problem is far from solved. The government’s focus on smashing the gangs behind these operations is laudable, but the persistence of small boat arrivals indicates that more needs to be done to disrupt these networks and prevent further tragedies.

The Broader Immigration Picture: Legal Migration Dominates

While the debate over asylum seekers and small boat arrivals often dominates the headlines, it is important to remember that these issues represent only a small part of the overall immigration picture in the UK. The majority of immigration is legal, and the Labour government has largely followed the policies set by its Conservative predecessors in this area. Changes such as reducing the ability of visa holders to bring dependents and increasing salary thresholds for workers have contributed to a steady decline in legal migration numbers. However, these numbers still remain above pre-2019 levels, reflecting the ongoing complexities of managing migration in a post-Brexit world.

Conclusion: A Challenging Road Ahead for Labour

The Labour government faces a challenging road ahead as it seeks to balance public opinion, financial pressures, and humanitarian obligations in its approach to asylum and immigration. While the record number of asylum applications presents a significant challenge, the government’s tougher stance on grants and its efforts to smash the gangs behind small boat arrivals show a commitment to addressing the issue. However, the rising cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels and the growing asylum backlog remain major concerns. Looking ahead, the government must find a way to reduce these costs while also addressing the root causes of migration and ensuring that the UK remains a safe haven for those in genuine need. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Labour can deliver on its promises and restore public confidence in the immigration system.