Crewe MP backs plans to double wait for migrants settling in UK
Crewe and Nantwich MP, Connor Naismith, has backed Government plans to make it harder for migrants to settle permanently in the UK.
By Nub News
Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith has backed Government plans to increase the standard wait for migrants seeking permanent settlement in the UK from five years to 10.
The Labour MP questioned Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in the House of Commons after she announced the Government’s new Earned Settlement system on 2 November.
Under the proposals, applicants would need to meet stricter requirements before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain. These include a high standard of English, a clean criminal record, no outstanding debts to the taxpayer and sustained National Insurance contributions.
Mr Naismith told MPs he supported tougher consequences for people who entered the UK illegally or through clandestine routes.
“Alongside the changes that she is making on legal migration, can she confirm that there will be serious consequences for settlement for those entering our country by a dangerous and illegal means?” he asked.
Ms Mahmood confirmed that an additional 10-year waiting period would apply to people who entered the UK illegally or by clandestine means.
“He’s right that net migration is down under this government and we are taking steps to make sure that we bring coherence and rationality to the migration system and fixing the mess left behind by the previous government,” she said.
“Let me say to him on illegal migration, that is why there is an additional waiting period of 10 years.”
The Home Secretary said the reforms were intended to put the Government and the public in greater control of the migration system.
Some groups would be able to qualify sooner under the proposals. The Government said people earning more than £50,271, along with some public service workers such as doctors, nurses and teachers, could still qualify after five years.
People who had breached immigration rules would face a minimum 20-year wait, while those arriving by small boat or another clandestine route could face a further 10-year period.
Mr Naismith also referred to an 82 per cent fall in net migration compared with its peak under the previous Conservative Government.
The Government said the new settlement rules would be introduced over the course of 2027, with further details and impact assessments to follow.