The Conservative opposition has accused the Labour government of being in “complete denial” over its plans to reform the immigration system and border security.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp told the BBC: “The government seems to be in complete denial that they’re presiding over a borders crisis.”
He added that the government's proposed rule changes around the asylum system, expected to be announced by home secretary Yvette Cooper later today, are a “tiny tweak that will make very little difference”.
The home secretary is set to outline reforms to the immigration system after the government endured a summer dominated by criticism over the small boats crisis and asylum hotels.
Ms Cooper will give a statement to MPs on Monday as they return to Westminster for the first time since July.
She will say the government’s overhaul of the “broken” asylum system will contribute to ending the use of asylum hotels, an issue which has led to widespread protests over the summer.
The BBC has reported that she plans to tighten rules for migrants granted asylum to bring their families to the UK, including tougher English language standards and access to sufficient funds.
UK Politics Live
- Cooper to outline reforms on border security
- Starmer appoints new chief secretary and top economic adviser
- What will the Home Secretary say in her speech?
- Court of Appeal to deliver full Epping verdict
- Three people arrested in latest Epping protests
Government not looking at leaving ECHR, says Downing Street
14:03
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Tom Watling
Ministers are not looking at leaving a major human rights agreement or suspending how it applies in UK law to crack down on illegal migration, Downing Street has said.
Asked whether the Government would consider leaving the ECHR as it seeks to grapple with migration, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “As we said last week, this is one of the first governments that’s actually set out plans to take action on the ECHR through the plans that the Home Secretary will reiterate again in her statement to the house on tightening the application of article eight.
“This will set out new reforms so that it is Parliament rather than ad hoc court decisions that determines who can stay in this country.”
Article eight of the agreement, the right to family life, has been used during court cases to justify illegal migrants remaining in the UK.
The spokesman added the Government “will be bringing forward new legislation on tightening the application of article eight”, adding: “The Government has been clear that Britain will remain a member of the ECHR and that shutting ourselves off from the international stage will make it harder, not easier, to return people, and you do not strike international agreements by tearing up international agreements.”
Asked if ministers were considering suspending elements of the treaty as it applies to UK law, the spokesman replied: “That’s not what we’re looking at. We’re looking at, as the Home Secretary will reiterate this afternoon, the action that we’re taking to tighten the application of article eight, bringing forward new legislation.”
Even Reform voters now want to unpick this one Brexit measure, shock poll reveals
13:44
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Tom Watling
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK suspends a councillor over racism allegations in Epping protests
13:33
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Tom Watling
New royal book claims Queen was Remainer
13:14
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Tom Watling
A new royal book has made a number of claims about the late Queen Elizabeth, including that she was a Remainer and that Boris Johnson tried to meet her while he had covid.
You can read a breakdown of the book’s claims below.
PM reiterates commitment to ECHR as pressure grows to quite convention
13:01
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Millie Cooke, Political Correspondent
The prime minister has reiterated his commitment to the ECHR as pressure grows on the UK to quit the convention, with his spokesperson warning that "tearing up international agreements would make it harder not easier to deport people".
It comes after a number of high profile figures, including former Labour home secretary Lord Blunkett, called for the government to rethink its relationship with the ECHR.
"As we said last week, this is one of the first governments that has actually set out plans to take action on the ECHR, plans which the home secretary will set out in the House on tightening the application of Article 8".
The government said earlier this year that it would seek to reduce the number of people claiming “exceptional circumstances” over the right to family life in order to remain in the UK under Article 8 of the ECHR, the right to private and family life.
"We’ll be bringing forward new legislation on tightening the application of article 8 but the government has made clear that Britain will remain a member of the ECHR", the spokesperson added. "Tearing up international agreements would make it harder not easier to deport people."
Darren Jones arrives at No 10 after new appointment
12:44
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Tom Watling
Darren Jones has been pictured arriving in Downing Street after Sir Keir Starmer appointed him to a new role as chief secretary to the Prime Minister, a new ministerial role in which he will attend Cabinet.
Mr Jones was previously chancellor Rachel Reeve’s right-hand man.
Starmer's mini-reshuffle represents 'second phase' of government
12:33
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Tom Watling
Sir Keir Starmer’s shake-up of his Downing Street operation and the appointment of Darren Jones as his chief secretary reflects the shift into a “second phase” of government, No 10 has said.
“It reflects the Prime Minister’s view that phase one of this government was about fixing the foundations and the second phase has to be about a relentless focus on delivery,” Sir Keir’s official spokesman said.
Asked if the shake-up was an implicit acknowledgement that delivery has not gone as the Prime Minister might have hoped, his press secretary added: “The Prime Minister came into government with commitment to deliver change for working people. He spent the first year getting on with that job.”
She later said: “Of course, the Prime Minister is always determined to make sure that we are straining every sinew to deliver for the British people.
“That is what they rightly expect and what he comes to work and focuses on every single day.”
Farage and Reform ‘whipping up anger’ on migrants, cabinet minister warns
12:19
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Tom Watling
A senior cabinet minister has accused Nigel Farage and Reform UK of “whipping up anger” as tensions mount around migrant hotels.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson claimed that Reform leader Mr Farage has “no interest” in finding solutions to the migrant crisis and small boats and is using it to build political support.
Her comments came less than 24 hours after Reform was forced to suspend a councillor in Epping, James Regan, over racist comments on social media while he was taking part in protests outside the Bell Hotel in the Essex town.
Badenoch says net zero is impossible and could bankrupt UK
12:00
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Tom Watling
Net zero “is impossible” as it stands and we “cannot bankrupt our country”, Kemi Badenoch has said.
During a visit to Redhill, she said the Conservative Party “needs to show that it is on the side of the people of this country”.
Mrs Badenoch said: “Net zero, as it currently stands, is impossible. We cannot bankrupt out country.
“We need to get our energy out of the ground rather than importing oil from Norway who are drilling in the same basin – that’s not doing anything for the environment.”
Badenoch backs rights to protest outside asylum hotels
11:51
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Tom Watling
Kemi Badenoch has said she still supports people’s rights to protest against asylum hotels.
She said: “Of course I support people’s right to protest. I have been in Epping and the people I saw were everyday mum and dads who live in the community, who are very worried about their safety and about their children’s safety.
“They have a legitimate right to protest.
“What’s causing the problem is people from outside the community, from all parts of the political spectrum, who like to agitate and create additional problems. That’s where we want to see the police tracking them.”
Badenoch says Labour 'does not have the stomach' to tackle immigration
11:42
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Tom Watling
Kemi Badenoch has said Labour “do not have the stomach” to take stronger action on immigration control.
The Conservative Party leader said during a visit to Redhill: “Well, what I would actually like to see the Home Secretary talk about is how she’s going to close down the asylum hotels.
“What they have done with their recent court case is actually shown that they believe that illegal migrants have more rights than our local communities, and we completely disagree with that.
“We had a deportation Bill, which we asked Labour to support, we talked about disapplying the Human Rights Act so you wouldn’t even get to some of the circumstances that she’s talking about.
“There’s a lot more that can be done on immigration control. Labour do not have the stomach to do it. We do, and we have the plans as well.”
Awkward moment Nick Robinson reminds Chris Philp he opened Bell Hotel for asylum seekers
11:31
,
Tom Watling
Labour minister says Gov wants to reform ECHR
11:17
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Tom Watling
Labour minister Stephen Morgan has said the Government wants to reform the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to bring down immigration.
Mr Morgan told GB News: “We’re really clear that we inherited an asylum system in chaos and we want to bring order to that system, and fairness and balance.
“So, Yvette Cooper will set out details later today, but we want to see reform in the ECHR, we think that’s really important to bring down the levels of migration that we’ve seen coming into our country.”
He said “good progress” has been made with 35,000 people with no right remain in the UK already deported and stressed the Government is committed to ending the use of asylum hotels.
He said shadow home secretary Chris Philp’s comments that Labour is “tinkering around the edges” on migration is “rank hypocrisy” after 14 years of the Conservatives in power.
He added: “Action is being taken, but we will go further and faster as the Home Secretary will set out later today.”
Reform holds press conference
11:03
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Tom Watling
Reform is holding a press conference on plans to overhaul council-controlled pension funds.
You can watch it as it unfolds below.
LIVE: Reform UK unveils plans to overhaul council-controlled pension funds and save billions for taxpayers. https://t.co/Cl1YZpyEVr
— Reform UK (@reformparty_uk) September 1, 2025
John Swinney ‘absolutely horrified’ by Holyrood hidden camera allegations
10:53
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Tom Watling
Moving briefly away from the two big politics stories of the day, we bring you the latest from Scotland following a horrible report of hidden cameras in the toilets at the Scottish Parliament.
First Minister John Swinney said he was “absolutely horrified” by the reports alleging a hidden camera had been placed in the toilets.
The SNP leader said he was “extremely concerned” about the implications for those using the Holyrood building, including MSPs, staff and journalists.
His comments came after MSP Colin Smyth denied allegations he had placed a secret camera in toilets in the building.
The South Scotland MSP was arrested on Tuesday, 5 August and charged with a separate offence of possession of indecent images, prompting his suspension from Scottish Labour.
His Holyrood pass was deactivated on Thursday, effectively preventing him from accessing the building.
On Friday it was confirmed Police Scotland had carried out a search of toilets and changing facilities in the Parliament building, with “no covert recording devices” found.
Those using the building were also told there will be “enhanced additional checks” going forward.
Mr Smyth, meanwhile, issued a statement in which he rejected the allegations against him.
Keir Starmer appoints Rachel Reeves’ righthand man to new Downing Street role in mini-reshuffle
10:42
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Tom Watling
Earlier, we reported that Sir Keir Starmer had begun a mini-reshuffle in No 10.
Below, you can read out full report on the story.
Former Blair adviser appointed to Starmer's government
10:31
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Tom Watling
We have some more information on Sir Keir Starmer’s mini-reshuffle.
Tim Allan, a former adviser to Sir Tony Blair’s government, has been appointed the Government’s executive director of communications, as the PM aims to improve communications across his administration.
James Lyons, who had been director of strategic communications within No 10, has left his role after a year.
As he left, the former print journalist said his role at the heart of Government “was never intended as a long haul”.
More than 90% of family reunion visas go to women and children, report says
10:18
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Tom Watling
More than 90 per cent of refugee family reunion visas go to women and children, experts have said, as home secretary Yvette Cooper is set to crack down on the scheme.
Jon Featonby, chief policy analyst at the Refugee Council, posted on social media that, as of June 2025, 92 per cent of these visas were given to women and children, and more than half went to children. The figures are reflected in a paper published by the Refugee Council entitled ‘Families Belong Together’.
He added: “Two thirds [go] to people from Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran and Sudan. It helps integration and provides a safe route. Family reunion should be easier, not harder.”
His comments come as Ms Cooper is set to overhaul the UK’s family reunion policy. The current visa scheme allows people to bring their partners and children to the country once they are granted refugee status.
Since 2022, the number of people entering the UK using these visas has risen sharply, with just over 20,000 being granted in the year to June 2025. This represents a 30 per cent rise on the previous 12 months.
In pictures: Protests erupt outside hotels
10:03
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Tom Watling
There were rounds of protests again yesterday outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, and the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf.
Seven people were arrested, three in Epping and four in Canary Wharf.
Below, you can see some pictures from those demonstrations.
Starmer appoints new chief secretary and top economic adviser
09:47
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Tom Watling
Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Darren Jones to be Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, a new position, as he reshuffles his Downing Street team.
Mr Jones, who had been chief secretary to the Treasury, will be based in Number 10 and “directly oversee work across Government to support the delivery of the Prime Minister’s priorities”, Downing Street said.
Treasury minister James Murray will replace him as Treasury chief secretary while Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson has replaced him as Treasury exchequer secretary.
The appointment follows Sir Keir’s recruitment of Baroness Minouche Shafik, an economist and former president of Columbia University in New York, as his chief economic adviser.
More arrests in Canary Wharf
09:43
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Tom Watling
A police has been punched in the face at what were initially peaceful protests in Canary Wharf on Sunday.
Four people were arrested at those protests outside Britannia International Hotel, which was subject to controversy last month after the Government decided to use it as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
As we reported earlier, another three were arrested in Epping at concurrent demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel, which has also been at the centre of controversy.
You can read our full piece on the two protests below.
Three people arrested in Epping protests
09:37
,
Tom Watling
Three people have been arrested at a protest in Epping on Sunday night, Essex police have announced.
Around 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Epping Forest District Council building on Sunday evening, where a woman climbed the steps and unfurled a Union flag.
It comes after the Government won a court challenge on Friday, meaning 138 asylum seekers can continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in the Essex town.
Two men and one woman were arrested following Sunday’s protest, according to Essex Police.
The force said the woman was arrested at the Civic Centre on suspicion of breaching a Section 14 order that was in place and strongly rejected suggestions she was arrested for flying a Union flag.
One man was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after an emblem was reported to have been set alight.
The arrest is related to an alleged incident on Friday, police said.
Another man was arrested for breaching the Section 14 order after refusing to leave when the protest had ended.
All three remain in custody, the force said on Sunday night.
Court of Appeal to deliver full Epping verdict
09:33
,
Tom Watling
The Court of Appeal is due to hand down its full written judgment in the Bell Hotel case later today as Yvette Cooper outlines her reforms.
The Government and the hotel’s owner last week succeeded in overturning an interim injunction which would have required asylum seekers to be removed from the site.
Epping Forest District Council, which applied for the injunction, is considering taking the case to the Supreme Court.
Home Secretary to take swipe at Reform over immigration plans
09:30
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Tom Watling
In a message to Reform UK, which has promised mass deportations, and the Tories, who want to revive the Rwanda scheme, Yvette Cooper is expected to say: “These are complex challenges and they require sustainable and workable solutions, not fantasy promises which can’t be delivered.”
She will say the UK has a “proud record of giving sanctuary to those fleeing persecution” but the system “needs to be properly controlled and managed, so the rules are respected and enforced, and so governments, not criminal gangs, decide who comes to the UK”.
She will set out measures announced over the summer, including the detention of the first migrants under the “one in, one out” deal with France – with the first deportations back across the Channel due to take place in the coming weeks.
Ms Cooper will also update MPs on reforms to the asylum appeals process which are intended to reduce the backlog and ease the pressure on accommodation.
Cooper to praise Government's 'strengthening of foundations' in tackling illegal immigration
09:29
,
Tom Watling
Yvette Cooper is keen to stress that despite a summer of criticism against Labour’s handling of the asylum system, the Government is strengthening the country’s border security.
She is expected to say how actions to strengthen border security, increase returns and overhaul the asylum system are “putting much stronger foundations in place so we can fix the chaos we inherited and end costly asylum hotels”.
She will say: “That means ensuring we have the powers we need to pursue the criminal smuggling gangs profiting from small boat crossings that other parties have voted against, but also new firm rules in place to manage the asylum system so we can close hotels.”
What will the Home Secretary say today?
09:29
,
Tom Watling
We have an early steer on what Yvette Cooper will outline today as MPs return to Westminster after the summer break.
The Home Secretary will set out planned changes to the refugee family reunion process to give “greater fairness and balance”.
She will say the National Crime Agency (NCA) led 347 disruptions of immigration crime networks in 2024/25 – the highest level on record and a 40 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
That included 56 of the highest-impact disruptions, while NCA-backed efforts in Europe have squeezed the supply of boats and engines destined for the French coast, with 45 dinghies seized in operations at the Bulgarian border in July and August.
Officials believe that contributed the lowest number of boats crossing the Channel in the month of August since 2019, with 55 making the crossing, according to the latest figures.
Cooper to outline reforms on border security
09:28
,
Tom Watling
Good morning.
A lot is happening today in the world of politics as MPs arrive back in Westminster for the first time since July.
We are expecting home secretary Yvette Cooper to highlight the Government’s plans for reforms to the immigration system and border security. She is also due to highlight some of Labour’s successes in tackling border crossings after August saw the lowest number of people arriving on boats over the English Channel since 2021.
The Court of Appeal is also due to hand down its full verdict on the The Bell Hotel case in Epping, Essex. The decision at the end of last week overturned a High Court ruling temporarily banning the housing of asylum seekers at the hotel, which has been the scene of major protests over the summer.
Follow here for live updates all day.
