The UK government is distributing a leaflet to asylum seekers that explicitly states that acts like rape and sexual harassment can lead to imprisonment.
This nine-page guide, titled “Understanding behaviours and expectations in the UK: a guide for asylum seekers,” was published on August 19, as noted by the Home Office. The document asserts that its rules apply to everyone in the country, not just those seeking asylum.
The section addressing consent emphasizes that both individuals must agree to any sexual activity, highlighting that a person who is sleeping, drunk, or unresponsive cannot provide consent. The Home Office states that consent can be revoked at any moment, even during the act, and this principle applies in marriage as well. “If you have sex with someone without their consent, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime in the UK,” the guide explains, setting the age of consent at 16 and warning that engaging in sexual activities with a minor remains a crime, even if the minor says they consent.
Regarding public behavior, the guidelines advise against whistling, making kissing sounds, following someone, or directing sexual comments at someone—even if it is intended as a compliment. Taking or sharing sexual images without consent is also identified as a serious crime. Additionally, a section on gender equality tells migrants that women in the UK are free to work, study, travel, and marry without needing approval from a man. The Home Office warns that violations could result in arrest, imprisonment, eviction, and rejection of asylum applications.
Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham endorsed the distribution of this information, emphasizing the importance of clearly understanding UK law. “As a government, we have a very clear principle. If you break UK law, you will be removed from the country,” Burnham stated to reporters. School Standards Minister Georgia Gould added that newcomers must first understand British law, while cautioning against making sweeping generalizations about migrants.
Opposition figures claimed the pamphlet reflected a failure to manage the border. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp argued that instead of attempting to educate mainly young male illegal immigrants on how to behave respectfully towards women, they should be deported. Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden described the leaflet as “absurd” and “ridiculous.” Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf criticized it as “a disgrace” in a social media video.
On the flip side, Green Party peer Baroness Jenny Jones condemned the Home Office’s guidance as “a dangerous and unnecessary move that reinforces right-wing stereotypes.” This announcement coincided with the Home Office revealing that returns of individuals with failed claims reached their highest level since 2010, with nearly 70,000 illegal migrants and foreign offenders deported since Labour took power in July 2024.
