Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill Report Stage: New Clause 21

MPs voted on 12 May 2025 to reject New Clause 21 to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which would have allowed asylum seekers who had been waiting more than three months for a decision to work legally in the United Kingdom. The clause was defeated by 404 votes to 87, a margin of more than four to one. The practical effect of the defeat is that the existing ban on asylum seekers working while their claims are processed remains in place. Supporters of the clause argued it would have reduced government spending on hotel accommodation and support payments, since asylum seekers could have supported themselves financially. Opponents, in line with the government's position, argued that extending the right to work would undermine immigration controls and the integrity of the claims process. The Liberal Democrats proposed the new clause and voted for it unanimously, joined by the Scottish National Party, the Greens, Plaid Cymru, and most smaller parties and independents. Labour voted against by 280 to 5, with Labour and Co-operative Party MPs voting against unanimously. The Conservatives, Reform UK, and Labour together made up the bulk of the 404 no votes. The division sits within a broader report stage on 12 May 2025 during which several other Liberal Democrat and opposition new clauses were also defeated by similar margins.