British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced sweeping reforms to the country’s asylum and settlement system, declaring an end to what he calls the “golden ticket” for migrants who win refugee status.

The Labour leader insists his government will protect genuine refugees, but only on tougher terms. “If you want to come to the UK, you should contribute to our society,” he said in a statement released by the Home Office. “That is the tolerant and fair approach our communities are built on. But the current system is not fit for purpose.”

He added that settlement should not be automatic: “Settlement must be earned by contributing to our country, not by paying a people smuggler to cross the Channel in a boat.”

At present, successful asylum applicants are granted five years’ leave to rema

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