Labour Demand Answers on Conservative Plans to Deport ILR Settled Residents

Anna Turley Asks for Urgent Answers on Plans to Strip ILR from Already Settled Residents

Labour MP Anna Turley has written to shadow Home Office minister Katie Lam asking for urgent answers on Conservative plans to strip Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from thousands of settled residents. The draft bill could become legislation if

In a recent interview, Katie Lam stated that deporting legally settled individuals was necessary to make the UK “culturally coherent.” The draft bill, led by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, outlines Conservative Party plans that would give power to revoke Indefinite Leave to Remain if individuals earn below £38,700 for six months, claim benefits, or commit a crime. 

The Labour government says the policy threatens people who’ve followed the rules and are working in schools, hospitals, and businesses across the country. It would break up families and undermine the rule of law. The bill would be expected to affect around 5% of the British population and could result in widespread deportations.

Key Questions Raised by MP Anna Turley 

• Would pensioners whose income is below £38,700 be deported? 
• What about women whose income has dropped due to maternity leave, or people who’ve cut their hours to care for children or relatives? 
• Does “social protection” include child benefit, pensions, statutory sick pay, industrial injury payouts, or one-off support after floods or evictions? 
• Would people face deportation if their spouse or children claimed benefits, even if the family member is a UK citizen? 
• Would British citizen children be taken into state care if their parents are deported? 

Don’t Wait if You’re Eligible for British Citizenship or ILR

Draft bills are not policy, and the Conservative Party is not in power. Therefore, it is conjecture whether it will become law. We do recommend, as the Indefinite Leave to Remain battle continues, to apply for ILR and Citizenship as soon as you are eligible.

We don’t know what leadership will come in or when a change of leadership might occur. Under the current rules, you can usually apply for Citizenship 12 months after gaining ILR. ILR applications typically take months to prepare and process. If an early election is called before 2029, you leave little time to secure your future in the UK.

Our experts have helped thousands of people like you. We can help you secure your future today and mitigate your deportation risk. Contact IAS immigration lawyers at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or by using our online form.