Lord Alf Dubs, a Labour peer who escaped the Nazis as a child, has criticized the government’s tough overhaul of asylum regulations, labeling it a misguided move. The changes announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday have stirred concerns among Labour MPs, with Lord Dubs expressing his disapproval, stating that the new rules will create a less hospitable environment in the UK.

Under the new plans, officials are instructed to be more assertive in deporting families, including children, and to reassess the status of refugees every two and a half years, potentially leading to their removal if their home country is deemed safe. Mahmood acknowledged in the Commons that the UK’s generous asylum support was attracting people to the country, but Lord Dubs, a staunch advocate for refugee rights who fled Prague in 1939 during the Kindertransport, lamented the implications of the proposed measures.

In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Lord Dubs criticized the government’s approach, warning that it would heighten tensions in local communities and diminish the welcoming nature of the country. He emphasized the need for compassion in politics, expressing disappointment with the direction of the policies, which he believes will not effectively deter individuals from seeking asylum in the UK.

Commenting on the deportation of families with children, Lord Dubs condemned the use of children as a bargaining tool and raised concerns about the fate of children born in the UK who have integrated into society. He also cautioned against the idea of repatriating refugees to supposed “safe” countries, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their actual safety before any such decisions are made.

In defense of the measures, Cabinet minister Steve Reed highlighted that all Labour MPs were elected on a manifesto commitment to secure borders, emphasizing that compassion should not be one-sided. Reed underscored the risks associated with dangerous journeys taken by migrants, citing instances of children losing their lives while attempting perilous crossings.