Committee publication · Correspondence · 7 July 2026
Correspondence from Alex Norris MP, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, dated 1 July 2026 relating to the Immigration and Asylum Bill
From: Justice Committee
Summary
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris writes to the Justice Committee chair to outline the Government's Immigration and Asylum Bill, introduced 30 June 2026. The Bill implements reforms from the November 2025 Restoring Order and Control statement, including creating an Independent Immigration Appeals Authority, tightening Article 8 protections, consolidating asylum protections into a 'Core Protection' model, requiring asylum seekers to contribute to support costs, and reforming modern slavery safeguards.
Key findings
- Immigration and Asylum Bill introduced 30 June 2026, following King's Speech inclusion, to implement 'most significant policy proposals on asylum in a generation'
- Government reports 31% increase in returns compared to 19-month period to July 2024, achieved through improved cooperation from countries previously refusing to take back nationals
- Bill creates Independent Immigration Appeals Authority to replace First-tier Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber via phased transition
- Article 8 (right to private and family life) restrictions to be tightened, aligning with Strasbourg caselaw and Council of Europe declaration
- New 'Core Protection' model combines refugee status and humanitarian protection; defines 'lawfully staying' to enable restrictive provisions including removal of public funds access for asylum seekers/refugees convicted of serious crimes
Tone
ProceduralTopics
asylum-policyimmigration-lawjudicial-procedurehuman-rightspublic-finance
Key actors
Alex Norris MP, Andy Slaughter MP, Justice Committee, Home Office
Notable line
“… the most significant policy proposals on asylum in a generation. This Bill builds on the changes already made …”
Key Quotes
“The Immigration and Asylum Bill will bring into effect the main reforms announced in the Restoring Order and Control statement in November 2025, the most significant policy proposals on asylum in a generation.”
“But the Government must go further if we are to restore order and control, while also offering sanctuary to those in need and genuinely fleeing danger.”
“These changes will align us with Strasbourg caselaw and are consistent with the recent Council of Europe declaration, restoring consistency across decision-making.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗