The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) watchdog has drawn sharp criticism after stating that Britain is not providing sufficient support to migrants and asylum seekers, potentially leaving them vulnerable to poverty. The commission recommended that more asylum seekers should be granted access to benefits in line with United Nations standards and also faulted the government for discontinuing a program aimed at helping refugees develop their resumes and find employment.
This intervention has ignited a strong backlash, with opponents arguing that enhancing benefits could act as a further incentive, or "pull factor," encouraging more dangerous small boat crossings. Critics pointed to reports detailing the amenities available to migrants at a former RAF base in Wethersfield, Essex, which include recreational facilities, a gymnasium, and a snack bar, alongside the provision of mobile phones with generous call allowances. Accusations that the facility resembles a "holiday camp" have surfaced.
Chris Philp, the Conservative Party's shadow home secretary, denounced the EHRC as "out-of-touch" and suggested its demands highlight the need to remove such bodies from influencing government policy. He contrasted the commission's focus on immigrants with the struggles of "hardworking British families struggling with their own bills," characterizing the EHRC's stance as advocacy for "open-borders activists" lobbying for increased immigrant benefits. Philp asserted that the UK's current welfare provisions are a "pull factor for immigration" and that the Conservative Party would prioritize restricting benefits to UK citizens.
Tory MP Neil O'Brien echoed these sentiments, warning that increasing benefits for illegal immigrants creates a pull factor and encourages more arrivals, many of whom he suggested are economic migrants rather than genuine refugees. O'Brien stated that admitting more unvetted, illegal migrants poses a significant risk to British citizens.
Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK, described the EHRC's position as displaying "breathtaking cheek" and questioned the commission chair's "effrontery" in demanding taxpayer money for migrants, particularly in the name of adhering to UN recommendations, which he characterized as divorced from reality.
The EHRC's assessment indicated that Britain has taken "inconsistent action"—the watchdog's lowest ranking—regarding its fulfillment of migrant and asylum seeker rights as per UN recommendations. The commission specifically criticized the government for ending the Refugee Employability Programme, which had been in operation for less than two years. This program was designed to assist refugees with job-seeking skills like CV writing and interview preparation.
Furthermore, ministers were criticized for revoking the legal obligation to support asylum seekers at risk of destitution earlier this year. The government has also faced scrutiny for considering an extension of "no recourse to public funds" rules, which restrict access to benefits for many migrants. Proposals are reportedly being considered to apply these extended rules to individuals granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
The EHRC published 57 assessments, with 33 concerning UK government actions and 24 related to Welsh Government actions. These assessments evaluated compliance with recommendations from the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights made in March of the previous year. Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, chair of the EHRC, emphasized the UN's recommendations for improving the integration and contribution of new arrivals to society, thereby enhancing social cohesion. She urged the UK government to fully implement the outstanding recommendations for promoting economic, cultural, and social rights.