Overview
- Keir Starmer said he may revisit making the settlement rule changes apply to people already in the UK, stressing no decisions have been taken at the end of the consultation.
- Ministers are consulting on doubling the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years for most migrant workers.
- Indefinite leave to remain lets someone live and work in the UK without a time limit, and applying new rules to people already here would change plans they have built under the five‑year route.
- Angela Rayner and more than 100 Labour MPs have opposed the plan, while unions say adult social care has about 110,000 vacancies and warn longer waits could worsen staffing shortages.
- Opponents branded Starmer’s stance a U-turn, GB News highlighted that charge, and The Observer reported Labour is in listening mode with a final decision expected in the autumn as social workers seek clarity on any reduced timeline for key public service roles.