Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed strong concerns about the current UK government’s human rights record under the leadership of the Labour party. In its World Report 2026, HRW criticizes various policies that allegedly undermine fundamental rights and freedoms.
The report underscores issues with the UK’s handling of protests, specifically pointing to the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023. These measures have reportedly led to the criminalization of peaceful demonstrations. A significant instance was the labeling of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, which spurred mass arrests, along with what HRW describes as “harsh sentencing” of environmental activists.
Another contentious area is the treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers. According to HRW, the government’s policies have tightened restrictions on refugees seeking citizenship and contributed to substandard asylum housing conditions. Such measures reportedly fuel anti-migrant sentiments, as Labour is seen as adopting some policies that mirror those of the growing right-wing Reform UK party, which aggressively targets illegal immigration.
The report further highlights economic challenges, noting the increase in absolute poverty from 17 to 18 percent. Austerity measures, such as limits on social security and cuts to disability benefits, although partially being reversed, exacerbate these socio-economic issues. There’s also criticism of the government’s mixed foreign policy responses to conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Afghanistan.
Domestically, concerns extend to a Supreme Court ruling affecting the rights of transgender and intersex individuals, and the government’s inadequate handling of the Windrush scandal compensation scheme. The situation of the Chagos Islanders remains unresolved, further drawing critique from human rights groups.
The Labour government, which assumed power in July 2024, faces declining approval ratings, with some surveys suggesting a drop of 14 points since their tenure began. The handling of human rights and economic challenges seems to be contributing to this downward trend, raising questions about Labour’s direction and commitment to the rights enshrined in both domestic and international laws such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Yasmine Ahmed, HRW’s UK director, has aired concerns about the potentially authoritarian trajectory, questioning the legacy Labour MPs wish to leave. The organization calls on the government to revisit and potentially repeal or amend legislation that could contravene human rights standards.