Moving the Goalposts on Earned Settlement

The Government’s retrospective changes to “Earned Settlement” risk pulling the rug from under thousands of people who have faithfully followed the rules for years. It is not only a poorly thought-through policy, but one that runs against the British values of fairness and respect. 

From conversations at Thatcham Baptist Church to recent meetings in Westminster, I’ve spoken to people from Hong Kong, Ukraine, Nigeria, Iran, El Salvador, and beyond – constituents who have built lives here, added to our communities, and now feel a sense of betrayal as the rules are being changed.

While it is true that settlement should depend upon contribution, five years of working, paying taxes, and integrating into British life is already a substantial commitment. Many families have planned their futures around the current arrangement, and I have written to the Home Secretary to express the deep unease felt by constituents. In response, the Home Office declared it is “committed to developing a fair and transparent system.” But as my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have made clear, moving the goalposts mid-journey is neither fair nor transparent. 

What signal does this send to skilled individuals who want to come and work in our key sectors and make the UK a more competitive place in the long-term? At a time when businesses are already bracing for rises in tax and National Insurance costs, these changes will only compound the pressure and subject many of those we rely on in the NHS and social care to years of insecurity and additional costs.

The Home Office consultation received over 200,000 responses, that strength of feeling is unavoidable and it is encouraging to see the Government now considering exemptions after a backlash from MPs. 

We oppose these blanket retrospective changes. We want an immigration system that is controlled, yes, but also fair and rooted in respect. That means keeping our word to those who contribute and remaining an outward-looking nation that values people who help drive our economy and enrich our communities. 

As debates sour and divisive language is used for political gain, the Liberal Democrats will continue to project our case with dignity and compassion and urge the Government to rethink these proposals.