Five ways new Prime Minister Keir Starmer can support people affected by conflict and crisis

With the new government comes the chance for a change of course: to stand with those facing conflict and crisis and support refugees.

The Labour government won the UK general election on July 4th 2024 for the first time since 2005, with Keir Starmer now officially the Prime Minister. The new government has already scrapped the inhumane Rwanda Plan, and as they continue to settle in, here are five key priorities that should be at the top of their agenda:

1. Uphold the right to seek safety

Keir Starmer and the new government should continue to uphold the UK's commitment to the Refugee Convention and ensure people are not punished for arriving irregularly - for example via small boats - in the UK. All asylum claims should be processed fairly and efficiently, in line with international law.

This is supported by polling carried out by the IRC and YouGov in June 2023, which revealed that 65% of the UK public think it's important that the right to seek asylum is maintained in the UK.

What does 'refugee' mean exactly? Refugees and asylum explained in simple terms.

2. Scale up safe routes for refugees

To stop dangerous journeys across the English Channel, the government should invest in and expand safe routes for refugees. People risk their lives because there are no safe routes to asylum. It is currently not possible to claim asylum from outside the physical territory of the UK.

We are calling for the government to fully implement existing schemes such as the UK Resettlement Scheme, introducing a dedicated refugee visa, and improving family reunion processes so refugees can reunite with their loved ones.

Learn more about safe routes really mean.

Masoma was forced to leave her home and her family in Afghanistan behind when the Taliban took control. She now lives in London and has been rebuilding her life here while supporting other refugees with employment skills.

Photo: Masoma Mansori

3. Support refugees to rebuild their lives in the UK

We believe there should be a focus on supporting refugees as they rebuild their lives in the UK, with dedicated support to help them integrate into their new communities as soon as possible.

To achieve this, the new government should develop and implement a comprehensive National Integration Strategy.

This should include early intervention measures such as tailored English-language support, employment assistance, cultural orientation programmes, and providing asylum seekers with the right to work.

The current laws in the UK mean that most people seeking asylum are not able to find employment until their refugee status is granted. We know that 94% of asylum seekers want to work. It is estimated that the UK economy could gain £333 million per year if the ban were lifted.

The IRC is part of the #LiftTheBan coalition, which is calling on the UK government to allow people seeking asylum to work. By allowing this, people seeking asylum could positively contribute to the economy, and will be able to support themselves much sooner.

Margarita and her daughter Mischa, 14, had to flee from Kyiv, Ukraine. Margarita is now working as a certified interpreter, helping many other Ukrainian refugees navigate resettlement in the UK.

Photo: Andrew Oberstadt for the IRC

4. Support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

We welcomed the government’s announcement it was going to start funding The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) again, as well as new funding for humanitarian efforts.

As the crisis continues, the UK’s support for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance provided to people across the whole of Gaza, will remain important.

5. Increase funding to fragile and conflict-affected countries

Since cuts to UK aid were announced in 2020, global humanitarian crises have grown. To address these needs, the new government must restore the aid budget to 0.7% of gross national income.

Additionally, by 2030 two thirds of people living in extreme poverty will be in countries facing conflict and instability. These regions face the most urgent challenges, and that's where UK aid can transform lives. By concentrating UK aid on this group of countries, we can ensure it delivers maximum impact for people in need.

What is the International Rescue Committee?

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. We deliver lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always with a focus on the unique needs of women and girls.