Petition to ban asylum seeker benefits reaches huge new milestone

Migrants walk through shallow water on French coast

Migrants are crossing the English Channel from France to the UK. (Image: Getty)

A huge online petition to ban benefits for asylum seekers was signed by yet more people as it was closed. The document, set up by Bob Clements, advocated for "a cessation of financial and other support provided to asylum seekers by the Government". Mr Clements added: "This support currently includes shelter, food, medical care (including optical and dental), and cash support. I believe that such provisions may inadvertently incentivise illegal migration, particularly via the English Channel. This petition is to urge the Government to discontinue these support measures and payments."

The petition has now expired, and no one else can pledge their support. But a whopping 427,448 did so before it was cut off six months after it opened, as is routine. It may be debated by MPs, and has been waiting 56 days for a date. The Government has responded to the petition, writing: "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.

Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer stand with Trump

Trump told Keir Starmer yesterday he was 'doing a fantastic thing' if trying to stop immigration. (Image: Getty)

"We are grateful to everyone who took the time to sign this petition."

It added: "The petition proposes ending [financial] support immediately, and while we understand the objective behind that proposal, we have to recognise that – in many cases – the people currently receiving that support would end up living on the street instead, including many women and children.

"According to the latest official data, the number of rough sleepers in England in autumn 2024 was 4,667, so if we immediately ended the support given to every asylum-seeker, it would increase that number by multiple amounts."

Migrants on small boat in Channel at sunrise

Starmer is under pressure over small boats crossing the channel and asylum seeker hotels. (Image: Getty)

The response went on, stating: "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."

It comes as protesters have gathered outside hotels housing or thought to be set to house asylum seekers across the country, including the Bell Hotel in Epping and the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, London.

Counter demonstrators assembled to oppose the anti-migrant crowds.