Mahmood's immigration crackdown overshadowed by leadership rumours: Live updates

"The new measures stop short of what is required, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said. The Government trumpet their removal numbers. But only a tiny fraction of these crossed by small boat, amounting to just 5 per cent of small boat arrivals in that time. And 83 per cent of the numbers returned were voluntary. Whilst some of these new measures are welcome, they stop well short of what is really required and some are just yet more gimmicks like the previous smash the gangs' gimmick."

"Under current UK rules, those granted refugee status have it for five years and can then apply for indefinite leave to remain and get on a route to citizenship. But under new plans this will be quadrupled to 20 years, and to settle sooner people will be required to work or study. Asylum seeker support, such as housing and weekly allowances will also be revoked. Handouts will also be removed from those who have a right to work and who can support themselves but choose not to or those who break UK law."

New plans extend the period before refugees can apply for indefinite leave from five years to twenty years and require work or study to settle sooner. Asylum seeker support including housing and weekly allowances will be revoked for many, and benefits will be removed from those with the right to work who choose not to or who break UK law. Government removal statistics include that only 5% related to small boat crossings and 83% of returns were voluntary. Critics characterise parts of the package as insufficient and label some measures gimmicks rather than effective solutions.

Read at www.independent.co.uk