2hago 12.27 GMT Labour MP Sarah Owen describes jewellery removal threat in asylum plan as ‘repugnant’ The Labour MP Sarah Owen, who represents Luton North and who chairs the women and equalities committee in the Commons, has also spoken out against the asylum plans. In posts on Bluesky she said: 44 A strong immigration system doesn’t need to be a cruel one. It shouldn’t need saying - but refugees & asylum seekers are real people, fleeing war and persecution. This daughter of an immigrant is proud of our British and Labour values of respect and not turning our backs on people in real need. 44 There is no evidence that stripping refugees’ rights one by one will have any impact on people crossing the channel. Taking jewellery from refugees is akin to painting over murals for refugee children. These repugnant ‘deterrents’ did not work for the Tories, and they won’t work for us. 44 The majority of us want to stop the crossings & any gaming of the system - not least for those whose lives are endangered, exploited by criminals and cheated out of £thousands. We can have both a tough stance on illegal migration & build a compassionate, fair & legal path for those seeking refuge.