Corbyn and Polanski condemn UK’s plans to seize jewellery from asylum seekers

The UK Labour government’s proposed asylum reforms have sparked widespread condemnation from opposition politicians, who have labeled the measures ‘disgraceful,’ ‘dehumanising,’ and ‘disgusting.’ The reforms, which include seizing valuables from asylum seekers to cover processing costs, have drawn sharp criticism for their perceived harshness and resemblance to policies in Denmark. Home Office minister Alex Norris defended the plan, stating that asylum seekers with assets such as cars or e-bikes should contribute to their accommodation costs, though he clarified that personal heirlooms would not be confiscated. However, critics argue that the policy targets some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals. Green Party leader Zack Polanski, whose Jewish ancestors fled persecution in Latvia, called the proposals ‘chilling’ and reminiscent of darker historical chapters. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, accused the government of implementing a ‘degrading’ agenda that mirrors far-right rhetoric. The reforms also include diplomatic sanctions on countries refusing to repatriate asylum seekers and periodic reviews of refugee status, even for families with young children. Labour MP Kim Johnson criticized the policy as a ‘misguided attempt to win votes’ by adopting divisive narratives, while independent MP Ayoub Khan urged the government to allow asylum seekers to work and address application backlogs instead. Critics argue that the reforms distract from pressing issues like poverty and inequality, with Johnson calling for accountability from the wealthiest rather than the most vulnerable. The controversy underscores growing tensions within the Labour Party and broader concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.