Immigration: Earned Settlement

Debate between Shabana Mahmood and Manuela Perteghella

Monday 2nd November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Shabana Mahmood]

I can confirm that the position for Gurkhas is the same as for all of those in our armed forces—they have their own bespoke route to settlement, which is usually four years after service—and they are exempt from the changes we have made today.

[Manuela Perteghella (Stratford-on-Avon) (LD)]

Does the Home Secretary believe that it is fair to change the rules retrospectively for people who are not earning in excess of £50,000 but nevertheless have built careers, raised families and paid taxes based on the settlement pathway that existed when they arrived? Does this not violate the British value of fairness and risk real damage to our economy and our social fabric?

[Shabana Mahmood]

I absolutely disagree. I simply repeat the point that I have made to many hon. Members on the Lib Dem Benches: a Government need to be able to change the immigration system rules to reflect emerging circumstances. If they had their way, the immigration system would be in absolute chaos. The resolution that we have found between the different cohorts, including those who will now be eligible for a transitional arrangement, represents a fair solution for everyone.