Politics

Massive Petition Demands Government Cut Off Support for Asylum Seekers

Published on June 30, 2025

A massive public petition calling for an end to government benefits for asylum seekers has gathered nearly 400,000 signatures, sparking national debate and forcing an official government response.

The petition, started by Bob Clements, argues that all forms of support—such as housing, food, medical care, and cash—should be halted immediately to deter illegal immigration. The campaign has gained major traction online and among those concerned about the rising costs of the asylum system, reported the Express.

By UK law, any petition that hits 10,000 signatures must receive a government response. At 100,000, it becomes eligible for debate in Parliament. This one has surged well past both milestones.

In its official response issued June 23, the UK government said it is legally obligated to provide basic support to asylum seekers to prevent destitution. That obligation stems from the Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999 and international human rights commitments. However, officials emphasized that they are working urgently to reduce costs and overhaul the current system.

According to the response, the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels is now falling—from about 38,000 in December 2024 to 32,300 by March 2025. Ministers also claimed that support costs have dropped by around £500 million over the past year, with £200 million of that returned to the Treasury.

The Home Office has been under growing pressure to speed up processing times and to reduce the number of people waiting for decisions—many of whom are unable to work during that period. One of the government’s stated goals is to end the use of hotels for asylum housing altogether.

While acknowledging legal limits, the government added that it’s taking “urgent action to restore order and reduce costs.” This includes strengthening visa systems tied to deportation agreements and exploring overseas asylum processing, which would shift claim evaluations outside the UK.

A senior Labour MP, reacting to the petition and response, argued that the current system “rewards abuse and undermines fairness.” He called for reforms to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which can sometimes block deportations on the basis of family life or personal ties.

Meanwhile, critics of the petition say ending all support would push vulnerable people into homelessness and would likely violate international law. They argue for more balanced reform that increases efficiency and security while still meeting humanitarian standards.

No date has been set yet for a possible parliamentary debate, but with the petition still climbing, the pressure is on. This issue continues to stir emotions across the political spectrum—raising big questions about how the UK handles immigration, fairness, and fiscal responsibility.

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