Shabana Mahmood criticizes Reform UK’s lawmakers for missing a significant immigration update, accusing them of making promises that go against British values. The Home Secretary revealed extensive changes to settlement regulations, emphasizing the importance of rewarding compliance with rules. However, during her presentation, Nigel Farage and his colleagues were absent from the proceedings.

Mahmood aims to extend the residency requirement before individuals can apply for permanent settlement, contrasting Reform’s stance of not applying alterations to those already granted settled status. She emphasized that changing the rules for those with settled status would be contrary to British values.

Regarding the migration plans, the Home Secretary assured MPs that the rules for individuals with settled status would remain unchanged. She highlighted the contributions of long-term residents who have integrated into British society by working in hospitals, teaching in schools, and supporting communities.

In contrast, Reform UK proposed eliminating indefinite leave to remain (ILR), potentially putting many legally settled individuals at risk of deportation. Farage suggested a system where individuals renew their visas every five years instead of granting ILR.

Mahmood’s new measures seek to extend the period before migrants can apply for permanent settlement, aiming to recognize economic contributions and adherence to regulations. The proposed qualifying period for permanent settlement is set to increase to between 10 and 15 years from the current five.

While certain categories of migrants such as skilled public sector workers and high earners may be fast-tracked under the new system, others could face lengthy waiting periods. People arriving on small boats or relying on benefits may need to wait between 20 and 30 years before being eligible to apply for settlement.

Expressing concerns about the impact of uncontrolled migration, Mahmood warned that failure to manage migration effectively could fuel division and hatred. She stressed the importance of demonstrating that migration can still be beneficial for the country.

The updated regulations will affect approximately two million individuals who have arrived since 2021, excluding those with settled status.