Philip Trott discusses safe routes for refugees on LBC as Home Secretary announces refugee and human rights overhaul

17 November 2025

Ahead of an announcement by the Home Secretary of an overhaul of UK refugee law, Vanessa Ganguin Immigration Law’s Philip Trott was invited onto Clare Foges show on LBC to discuss the UK’s asylum system and policies aimed at reducing the amount of people resorting to unofficial channels and taking perilous small boat journeys to British shores.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood was set to announce an overhaul of UK asylum policy. Those arriving unofficially she said would in future face a 20 year journey to settlement, unlike those who are currently given refugee status who can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years. Every 30 months they will have to reapply for their refugee status which could be refused if the Home Office deem the country they have fled is safe for them again.

Changes to how Article 8 – the right to a family life – and Article 3 – the right not to be subjected to torture or inhumane or degrading treatment – are interpreted by the courts have also been trailed by the British government. The Home Secretary is also set to announce legislation to fast track decisions on removing people whose applications have been refused.

You can listen to an excerpt of Philip’s conversation on LBC here: