Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced a tightening of rules for asylum seekers seeking to bring family members to the UK, and revealed that illegal migrants could be deported in a matter of weeks in reforms to the process.

The new measures include tougher English language requirements and proof of sufficient funds for relatives, alongside reforms to the asylum appeals process.

Ms Cooper said the overhaul is aimed at fixing what she described as a “broken” asylum system, which has faced mounting criticism over the widespread use of hotels to house migrants arriving on small boats.

She confirmed that one of the Government’s key priorities is ending reliance on hotel accommodation, insisting the reforms will ensure the system is fairer and more sustainable.

She confirmed that one of the Government’s key priorities is ending reliance on hotel accommodation

Speaking in The Commons The Home Secretary said: "In August, I signed the new treaty with France, allowing us for the first time to directly return those who arrive on small boats.

"The first detentions took place the next day of people immediately on arrival in Dover, and we expect the first returns to begin later this month."

The announcement comes as a shock poll shows Reform UK taking a dramatic nine-point lead over Labour.

The Ipsos survey put Reform on 34 per cent, with Labour trailing on 25 per cent.

The Conservatives fared even worse, recording just 15 per cent, the lowest ever in an Ipsos poll, while Reform hit their highest-ever level.