Shabana Mahmood has criticized Reform UK’s Members of Parliament for not attending a significant immigration announcement, accusing them of making promises that go against British values.
The Home Secretary revealed a major overhaul of settlement regulations, stating that her proposals would benefit those who abide by the rules. However, Nigel Farage and others were absent from the session during her presentation.
Mahmood expressed her intention to extend the period individuals must reside in the country before applying for permanent settlement. She emphasized that unlike Reform, she would not implement changes for those already granted settled status, deeming it contrary to British principles.
The Home Secretary clarified that the rules for individuals with settled status would remain unchanged. She highlighted that these individuals have been part of the country for a significant period, with established families and contributions to society.
In contrast, Reform UK aims to eliminate indefinite leave to remain (ILR), potentially jeopardizing the legal status of numerous settled residents in the UK. Instead of ILR, Farage proposes a system where individuals must renew their visas every five years.
Mahmood asserts that the proposed measures, which would significantly extend the qualifying period for permanent settlement, aim to reward those who contribute to the economy and adhere to regulations. The standard qualifying period for settlement could be between 10 to 15 years, up from the current five years.
The government’s plan includes various incentives and restrictions, with certain groups such as skilled public sector workers, entrepreneurs, and high earners fast-tracked for settlement, while others may have to wait for decades.
Under the new rules, individuals arriving by small boat or reliant on benefits may face a waiting period of 20 to 30 years before being eligible to apply for settlement. Critics caution that this approach could trap vulnerable individuals fleeing conflict and persecution in prolonged uncertainty.
Mahmood cautioned MPs about the implications of uncontrolled migration, emphasizing the importance of managing migration responsibly to prevent the rise of divisive ideologies. She stressed the need to demonstrate that migration can be successfully integrated into modern Britain.
The updated regulations will impact around two million individuals who arrived post-2021 but will not affect those already holding settled status.