New Immigration and Asylum Bill Unveiled in King’s Speech

On 13 May 2026, the UK Government unveiled plans to introduce a new Immigration and Asylum Bill in the King’s Speech at the State opening of Parliament. New measures were partially implemented in March 2026 through a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, though the announcement of a new Bill marks the latest development in the UK Government’s stated mission to reform the existing legal framework. The UK Government’s Background Briefing Notes to the King’s Speech shed further light on how some of the proposed reforms will operate in practice. 

Significantly, the UK Government is proposing to introduce a new independent appeals body staffed by independent adjudicators, with the aim of replacing the existing Tribunal and streamlining asylum and human rights claims. According to the UK Government, the measures included in the Bill will enable immediate forced removal once all appeals are exhausted and will strengthen age assessment to root out false claims by those claiming to be under the age of 18. 

The UK Government also plans to restrict claims made by individuals on the basis of private and family life in terms of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The UK Government will attempt to define “family life” in statute as being strictly limited to spouses, parents and children, thereby excluding claims made in respect of extended family members. 

Given that the new Bill is yet to be laid before Parliament, however, it remains to be seen what form many of the final changes will take once the Bill becomes law. 
 
If you would like any advice or assistance in relation to your immigration matters then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.