United Kingdom
In July 2024, a new UK government was elected, following more than a decade of backsliding on human rights and undermining of the international rules-based order by the outgoing government. The incoming government inherited a host of human rights challenges. The cost of living and inadequate social protections threaten the rights of people on low incomes, including to food and housing. Laws criminalizing protest undermine democratic rights. The new government withdrew the offshore UK-Rwanda asylum plan and resumed processing claims domestically; however, legislation violating refugee rights remain. Restoring the UK’s international standing and ability to promote human rights globally requires improvement to its domestic rights record and action to address its violation of rights in colonial contexts, including against the Chagossian people.

- Europe/Central Asia
Acquittal of Palestine Action Protesters Spotlights UK’s Protest CrackdownFebruary 11, 2026
Dispatches
Director, United KingdomLindsay SaligmanFellow, Advocacy - Asia
Starmer Should Promote Rights in China VisitJanuary 27, 2026
Commentary
China Researcher
Director, United Kingdom
Videos
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More reports
- September 14, 2023 Report
“I Felt So Stuck”
Inadequate Housing and Social Support for Families Seeking Asylum in the United Kingdom

- April 17, 2023 Report
UK: “Hostile” Compensation Scheme Fails ‘Windrush’ Victims
Independence, Legal Aid, Appeals Rights Needed to Provide Effective Remedy

- February 15, 2023 Report
“That’s When the Nightmare Started”
UK and US Forced Displacement of the Chagossians and Ongoing Colonial Crimes

News
- January 27, 2026 Commentary
Protest Is Not a Security Offense

- January 20, 2026 Statement
Trump Attack on Chagos Island Deal Ignores the Chagossians

- January 13, 2026 Dispatches
UK Government Seeks to Restrict Protests, Including Some Against Pharmaceutical Companies
Parliament Should Vote Down the Proposed Amendment to the Public Order Act 2023

- January 7, 2026 News Release
UK: Protest Crackdowns Undermine Democracy
Repeal or Amend Draconian Laws; Strengthen Legal Right to Protest

- November 21, 2025 Commentary
Mahmood’s Immigration Plan Breaks Labour’s Promises
Proposed UK Asylum Policy is Nothing but Cruel Political Theatre

- November 4, 2025 Dispatches
Chinese Government Threatens Academic Freedom in the UK
Sheffield Hallam University Halted Uyghur Forced Labor Research After Intimidation

- October 28, 2025 Dispatches
Measure of Justice for Windrush Victims
Private Pension Losses Compensated but Legal Aid Still Lacking

- October 9, 2025 News Release
UN: Abusive Governments Set to Win Rights Council Seats
Egypt, Vietnam, Others Benefit from Non-Competitive Vote

- September 18, 2025 News Release
UK: Ombudsman Finds Flaws in Windrush Compensation Scheme
Authorities Should Compensate Private Pension Losses; Grant Free Legal Representation

- September 4, 2025 News Release
African, Caribbean Summit Should Address Reparations
Support Unified, Rights-Based Approach for Colonial Era Crimes

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