Politics

Mass Petition Calls for End to Benefits for Illegal Migrants, Gains Over 400,000 Signatures

Published on July 30, 2025

A petition to end financial support for asylum seekers has gained massive traction before its closure, with 427,448 signatures backing the call. Set up by Bob Clements, the petition aimed to stop the government’s provision of benefits to asylum seekers, which includes shelter, food, medical care (including dental and optical), and cash assistance.

Clements argued that these provisions might encourage illegal immigration, particularly through the English Channel. He called on the government to stop these support measures, which he believes inadvertently incentivize migrants to make dangerous journeys.

The petition has now expired, and no further signatures can be added, but it gained a remarkable amount of attention, with 427,448 people supporting the cause before the deadline. The petition was set to be debated in Parliament, but it has been waiting for 56 days to be scheduled for discussion. The government has since responded to the petition, acknowledging the concerns but defending the support offered to asylum seekers, reported the Express.

Over 427,000 Back Petition to Halt Benefits for Asylum Seekers as Debate Heats Up
(Image: Getty)

In its response, the government stated: “We are determined to tackle illegal migration and end the use of asylum hotels, but in the meantime, there is a legal requirement to support asylum seekers who would otherwise be living on the streets.”

They also recognized the objectives of the petition but noted that ending financial support for asylum seekers immediately would lead to more rough sleepers. The latest official data from autumn 2024 shows that there were 4,667 rough sleepers in England. The government warned that removing support would significantly increase that number.

The government further added: “We believe a better approach is to continue speeding up the processing of asylum claims, so that people who are genuine refugees can be accepted, those who are not can be rejected and removed, and either way, we can keep working to cut the amount of money spent on asylum support.”

Protests have also been brewing across the UK, with demonstrators gathering outside hotels housing or expected to house asylum seekers. Recent gatherings have been reported outside the Bell Hotel in Epping and the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, London.

The controversy surrounding asylum seekers and their support has become a hot topic across the country, especially in light of the growing number of arrivals and the public debate over the government’s handling of the situation.

The ongoing discussions and protests show just how divisive the issue of asylum support is, with many arguing that the government’s approach encourages illegal migration, while others believe that withdrawing support could leave vulnerable people, including women and children, without a roof over their heads.

As the debate continues, the government has promised to focus on speeding up asylum applications and improving the efficiency of the process, which could have a significant impact on the future of asylum policy in the UK.

While the petition has now closed, it’s clear that this issue is far from settled, with both sides continuing to argue passionately for their views. With MPs set to discuss the petition soon, it’s likely that this debate will remain in the spotlight for some time yet.

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