Former UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has criticised proposed changes to immigration rules, warning that retrospective adjustments to settlement rights for migrants already living in the country would be unfair and “un-British.”
She made the comments while speaking to the BBC, arguing that altering the conditions for permanent residency after people have already entered and contributed to society would undermine trust in the immigration system.
Rayner specifically opposed plans that could extend the waiting period for care workers in the UK to qualify for settlement from five years to as long as 15 years, saying such a move would be unjust to those who have already built their lives in the country.
She stressed that while border control is necessary, it should not be confused with changing the rules for migrants who have already followed existing legal pathways and are contributing to public services.
The UK government, however, maintained that its position remains unchanged, stating that the route to settlement will be extended from five to 10 years under new proposals.
Officials defended the reforms by arguing that settlement should be earned rather than automatic, citing concerns over high levels of migration and the impact of low-skilled migration on public systems.
Under the proposed changes, some categories of migrants, including health and social care workers, could face a 15-year wait before qualifying for permanent residency, while those who rely on public benefits for extended periods could face even longer timelines.
Rayner, speaking at a public sector union event, highlighted the contribution of care workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and called for policies that ensure dignity and fair treatment for both workers and those who rely on care services.
She also urged the government to increase wages for care workers and end visa conditions that tie workers to specific employers, warning that such arrangements can increase vulnerability to exploitation.
While acknowledging the need for immigration control, she maintained that policy changes should not be applied retrospectively to people already contributing to UK society.
The debate comes amid growing divisions within the Labour Party over the direction of immigration policy and the government’s broader approach to settlement reform.
