Labour split deepens as MPs slam citizenship ban for small boat arrivals

A fresh controversy has hit the political scene after the government announced that anyone who enters the UK illegally by small boat will be blocked from ever obtaining British citizenship. The Home Office unveiled the rule change as part of its broader crackdown on immigration, sparking fierce debate within the Labour Party.

The new guidance states that any person applying for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without the required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation—and who has made a dangerous journey—will normally be refused citizenship. “A dangerous journey” includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or being concealed in a vehicle, though it excludes arrivals by commercial airline.

Labour MPs Sound the Alarm

Labour MP Stella Creasy has been particularly vocal, accusing the government of effectively relegating illegal immigrants to “second class” status. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she expressed her shock:

This should be changed asap.

If we give someone refugee status, it can't be right to then refuse them route to become a British Citizen. To say they can have a home in our country, but never a place in our society and be forever second class. https://t.co/IzChxOlhDu

— stellacreasy (@stellacreasy) February 11, 2025

The Walthamstow MP went on to argue that this policy denies citizenship to people who, despite having permission to stay indefinitely because of risks of harm, are left stateless—and hence, voiceless.

Government Defends Its Stance

On the other side of the debate, government minister Alex Norris defended the move during an interview on BBC Radio 5Live. He stressed that the policy is not politically motivated, noting,

“We don’t set policies as a result of political considerations. We simply don’t want people making dangerous journeys—like crossing the Channel or hiding under lorries. These are very hazardous ways to enter the country, and in some cases, including children, lives are lost.”
Norris insisted that it is incumbent upon any government to act decisively in deterring such perilous attempts to enter the UK.

A Divisive Issue at Westminster

The policy has deepened the existing split within the Labour Party. While some argue that the move is necessary to deter dangerous, illegal crossings, others see it as a blatant attempt to make asylum seekers perpetual outsiders.

The debate comes at a time when public opinion is already sharply divided on immigration, with many accusing the government of sending mixed messages about welcoming refugees.

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