Illegal migration tearing UK apart, Mahmood says

Since 2000, China has invested tens of billions of pounds in the UK, as reported by BBC's Panorama. This significant influx of capital has reportedly granted China access to military-grade technology, raising concerns about the implications of such technology transfer on national security and international relations.

The UK Home Secretary announced significant reforms to the asylum rules on November 17, 2025. This announcement has been widely covered in the media, indicating a major shift in the government's approach to handling asylum seekers. The reforms are expected to impact the processes and criteria under which asylum applications are evaluated in the UK, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration policy and border control.

A recent survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) revealed that two-thirds of nurses in the UK are working while unwell, primarily due to understaffing and stress. The survey, which included over 20,000 nursing staff, found that 66% of respondents reported working despite being eligible for sick leave, a significant increase from 49% in 2017. The RCN's CEO emphasized that the current staffing crisis is adversely affecting the health of nurses and discouraging them from taking necessary leave.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans to implement Trump-style visa bans on three African countries if they do not agree to take back illegal migrants. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at sweeping reforms of the UK's immigration system. The proposed changes reflect a significant shift in the government's approach to handling asylum seekers and illegal immigration.

Shabana Mahmood has alerted Labour MPs to the rising tensions surrounding migration, as concerns grow over the Home Secretary's significant changes to refugee rights. Mahmood's warning comes ahead of the announcement of new laws that will require refugee status to be reassessed every two years, limit asylum appeals, and tighten family life rights. The proposed reforms also include a single appeal process for asylum seekers and a new body for fast-tracking cases involving dangerous criminals.

The UK plans to reduce protections and end automatic benefits for refugees as part of a significant overhaul of its asylum policy, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. This move is seen as a response to concerns about the asylum system being 'out of control' and aims to align more closely with controversial models used in other countries.

Shabana Mahmood, the UK Home Secretary, has announced new proposals aimed at reforming the asylum system, which she described as 'out of control' and a source of division within the country. The proposed changes, modeled on Denmark's controversial system, would require refugees, including Ukrainians, to reapply for their status every two and a half years. Mahmood emphasized that refugees would need to return to their home countries if deemed safe, highlighting the significant pressure the current system places on communities.

Cold Arctic air is sweeping across the UK, leading to freezing temperatures and potential snow and ice as emergency services continue to address severe flooding caused by Storm Claudia. Flood warnings remain in effect in England and Wales. A major incident was declared in Monmouth, south-east Wales, where residents were rescued or evacuated from flooded homes during heavy rain on Friday. This declaration was lifted on Sunday afternoon, according to the fire service.