This afternoon, the Home Secretary will set out in the House of Commons her proposed reforms to the asylum system. The headline changes proposed by Shabana Mahmood have been well briefed in the weekend press. Refugees will have temporary status and be required to reapply to remain in Britain every two and a half years. Those arriving would have to wait 20 years before they can apply for permanent settlement. Countries that refuse to take back migrants will be threatened with visa bans: Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among those likely to be initially punished.

The Home Secretary told broadcasters on Sunday that she will also amend laws that guarantee housing and financial support to asylum seekers who would otherwise face destitution. The statutory legal duty to

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