Shabana Mahmood is a bright minister among a cabinet of duds, dealt a difficult hand and playing it rather well. There was a good deal to like about her speech this afternoon, launching the document describing the government’s plans to deal with refugees and deportation. 

The idea of reviewing refugee status every 30 months, with a view to ending it if the country of origin is no longer dangerous, is overdue. That temporary unrest in a particular state should entitle those at the sharp end automatically to claim permanent rights to remain here is wrong, however much they may prefer their settled life in Britain, when this negatively impacts native Britons. Limiting refugees’ rights to bring numerous family members apart from immediate relatives is also right; we need to stop refugee status becoming a means of backdoor immigration for large (often very extended) family groups. Making the Home Office’s duty to provide support such as housing less onerous will help deal with those who make trouble. Equally vital are limitations on the right of illegal arrivals to apply for citizenship (up from 5 years........

© The Spectator