Diane Abbott warns immigration reforms risk Windrush-style scandal

Diane Abbott, the Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, has cautioned Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that her department's proposed immigration reforms risk repeating the mistakes of the Windrush scandal. Ms Abbott, speaking in the House of Commons, stated that the government's plans were "turning upside down" the residency rights of individuals who had lawfully come to the UK to work.

Ms Abbott, who holds the title of Mother of the House, referenced the Windrush Lessons Learned Review report. She suggested that if Ms Mahmood had fully considered its findings, she would recognise the potential for her department to face similar issues to those experienced by home secretaries during the Windrush scandal. The Windrush scandal involved the wrongful detention and deportation of British citizens who had arrived from Commonwealth countries before 1973.

Changes to settlement rules

The Home Secretary stated that the reforms aim to address high net migration figures. Under the revised proposals, foreign care workers who meet visa conditions and earn a minimum of £25,000 annually can now apply for permanent settlement after five years. This is a modification from earlier proposals that could have required lower-qualified workers to wait up to 15 years.

For those not qualifying for the five-year route, a new five-year visa will be available, after which they can seek settlement. The Home Office has indicated that settled status will no longer be automatic. Instead, it must be earned, with a default timescale of ten years. Applicants will need a clean criminal record, demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to A-level, prove they do not owe money to the taxpayer, and have a consistent record of National Insurance contributions.

Other London MPs also voiced concerns. Dame Meg Hillier, Labour MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch, highlighted potential difficulties for women in accessing English language courses, which could prevent them from meeting settlement requirements. Paul Kohler, the Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon, warned against retrospective changes to the time needed for indefinite leave to remain for those already on settlement pathways. Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, expressed worry that children might be left without citizenship if they reach adulthood before their parents secure leave to remain.

Fairness and cost concerns

Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour MP for Islington North, questioned the government's priorities. He asked about the fairness of favouring high earners over lower-paid care workers who contribute significantly to communities. The highest earners, with salaries of at least £125,141, could settle within three years. Those earning over £50,271, including some public service professionals like doctors, nurses, and teachers, can settle after five years.

Stella Creasy, the Labour MP for Walthamstow, pointed out the economic implications for skilled workers such as scientists and technicians who earn below £50,000, and who would now face a ten-year wait for settlement. Chris Philp, the Conservative MP for Croydon South and Shadow Home Secretary, criticised the reforms, calling them a "U-turn" and estimating that they would cost the taxpayer £10 billion.