You may find useful this text which Momentum is circulating, on asylum rights, and our abridged version of it (maybe more workable in CLPs).
See also https://davelevy.info/immigration-based-on-compassion-and-dignity/ which includes statements from a GMB branch, Stella Creasy MP, and Tony Vaughan MP
Abridged version (270-odd words)
This CLP notes:
On 17 November 2025, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced changes to asylum policy.
These changes include:
• People granted asylum would need to wait 20 years before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status.
• Those granted asylum will have their refugee status reviewed every 30 months, and if their home country is considered to be “safe” they could be liable for immediate deportation.
• Refugees will only be able to bring spouses or children to the UK if they meet a minimum income threshold.
• The statutory legal duty to provide asylum seekers who would otherwise face destitution with accommodation and weekly allowances would be revoked.
The Govt. statement is at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-and-returns-policy-statement/restoring-order-and-control-a-statement-on-the-governments-asylum-and-returns-policy
Keir Starmer was elected to the leadership of the Labour Party on a platform of “defending migrants rights”, and “an immigration system based on compassion and dignity.”
This CLP believes:
The Labour Government must abide by its obligations under international law, by ensuring the right to seek asylum from persecution. This includes recognising that entering the UK to seek asylum is not a crime.
People granted asylum in the UK should have the opportunity to build a new life for themselves and contribute to their community, without the fear of facing deportation.
Labour adopting anti-refugee rhetoric and policies risks emboldening Reform to promote ever more racist and radical measures targeting people from immigrant backgrounds.
This CLP resolves:
To call on our [MP, council, mayor, etc.] to speak out and vote against these changes to asylum policy when they are brought before Parliament.
To invite a speaker from a local asylum seeker support group to a CLP meeting
Full Momentum text
This CLP notes:
On 17th November 2025, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced changes to asylum policy.
These changes include:
• People granted asylum would need to wait 20 years before they can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status.
• Those granted asylum will have their refugee status reviewed every 30 months, and if their home country is considered to be “safe” they could be liable for immediate deportation.
• Refugees will only be able to bring spouses or children to the UK if they meet a minimum income threshold.
• The statutory legal duty to provide asylum seekers who would otherwise face destitution with accommodation and weekly allowances would be revoked. Support would then be removed for asylum seekers who have a right to work, who break the law, or work outside of their legal restrictions.
• AI will be used to assess the ages of people seeking asylum.
• Legislation will be brought to make significant changes to the Modern Slavery Act.
Far right activist Tommy Robinson has welcomed the measures, responding to news reports of Shabana Mahmood’s announcements on X on 15th November 2025 with the message “The Overton window has been obliterated, well done patriots.”
At present, people granted refugee status can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status after five years.
Keir Starmer was elected to the leadership of the Labour Party on a platform of “defending migrants rights”, and “an immigration system based on compassion and dignity.”
This CLP believes:
The Labour Government must abide by its obligations under international law, by ensuring the right to seek asylum from persecution. This includes recognising that entering the UK to seek asylum is not a crime.
People granted asylum in the UK should have the opportunity to build a new life for themselves and contribute to their community, without the fear of facing deportation at short notice because UK Government assessments of their country of origin have changed.
Labour adopting anti-refugee rhetoric and policies risks emboldening Reform to promote ever more racist and radical measures targeting people from immigrant backgrounds.
The real cause of deprivation in communities across the UK is not people seeking asylum, but billionaire elites who defend their power by seeking to divide working class people against each other.
This CLP resolves:
To call on our MP to speak out and vote against these changes to asylum policy when they are brought before Parliament.
To publicise opportunities for local volunteering in support and solidarity with asylum seekers to our members, and invite a speaker from a local asylum seeker support group to a CLP meeting.
Labour Left Internationalists 