Chris Philp used his response in the House of Commons to sharply criticise Shabana Mahmood’s proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain (ILR), arguing that the home secretary had damaged her credibility with a 12-minute statement. His remarks were met with criticism over the record of the previous Conservative government on immigration and border control.
Mahmood’s proposals largely reaffirmed earlier plans, while incorporating concessions to Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Labour backbenchers. Care workers who entered the UK before March 2025 would have a five-year route to settlement, while those arriving after that date would face a 10-year process.
The plans also include new safe routes for refugees and a 30-year wait for people who entered the country illegally. Applicants would remain subject to conditions including English-language ability, National Insurance contributions and a clean criminal record.
Burnham was absent from the Commons during Mahmood’s statement but later issued a message backing an immigration system based on control, contribution and rewards for those who follow the rules. Earlier, the prime minister’s spokesperson had declined to offer unequivocal support for the home secretary’s proposals.
The measures prompted complaints from Labour MPs, who questioned their fairness to immigrants and objected to the retrospective effect of some provisions. Mahmood did not offer further concessions during the debate.
Conservative MP Edward Leigh also criticised the record of the former Conservative government, saying those who had served in the Home Office should accept responsibility for its failures. Philp had previously served as a Home Office minister.
The debate took place as Nigel Farage and Zia Yusuf criticised the government’s approach from the right, arguing that it was too weak on immigration. Their stated position was that immigrants should be deported.
Sources: The Guardian Politics.