Recent changes to UK asylum and immigration policies announced by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood threaten to significantly weaken protections for refugees and asylum seekers — those most vulnerable seeking safety; this is cruelty disguised as policy.

These measures include reducing refugee protection status from five years to just 2.5 years, forcing people who have already fled war or persecution to repeatedly reapply for safety for up to 20 years before they can qualify for permanent residence. This creates years of instability for individuals and families who are trying to rebuild their lives in the UK.

The new policies also include plans to use force, including handcuffs, when removing families whose asylum claims have been refused – including children. At the same time, the government has revoked the legal duty to support destitute asylum seekers with accommodation and basic support while their claims are being processed.

In addition, student visas have been banned for people from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan — countries experiencing conflict, persecution, or severe instability. For many, studying abroad represents one of the only safe opportunities to rebuild their lives.

These changes risk pushing vulnerable people into homelessness, long-term uncertainty, or dangerous migration routes. They will also create significant administrative costs and pressure on already strained systems.

We are calling on Tony Vaughan MP to raise these concerns in Parliament and push for proper scrutiny and review of these policies. Changes of this scale should not be implemented without full parliamentary debate and consideration of their humanitarian and economic impact

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The UK has a long history of offering protection to people fleeing danger. Policies that undermine stability, family unity, and human dignity risk damaging that legacy.

Sign this petition to ask Tony Vaughan MP to stand up for fair, humane, and accountable refugee policies.