Starmer Slams Reform UK's Plan to Scrap Migrant Rights

Starmer Slams Reform UK's Plan to Scrap Migrant Rights

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has branded Reform UK’s proposal to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR) as “racist” and “immoral,” warning it would “rip the country apart.”

The policy, unveiled by Nigel Farage last week, would end ILR for migrants legally living in the UK, forcing them to reapply for visas under tougher rules. Currently, migrants can gain ILR after five years, granting permanent rights to live and work in the UK.

Starmer told the BBC during Labour’s annual conference in Liverpool that targeting people who are “lawfully here” is fundamentally different from tackling illegal migration. He argued migrants with ILR are “our neighbours” who contribute to the economy and society, and should not face deportation.

While rejecting Reform’s plan as discriminatory, Starmer stopped short of calling its supporters racist, instead describing them as “frustrated” after 14 years of Conservative government failures. He stressed the need to give Labour time to deliver on its election promises after last year’s landslide win.

Labour is also reviewing immigration policy, proposing to double the time before migrants can apply for ILR from five to ten years, as part of efforts to manage legal migration levels.

Reform UK hit back, with spokesperson Zia Yusuf accusing Labour of prioritizing foreign nationals over British taxpayers. Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she supports tightening ILR rules but reaffirmed that legal migration remains valuable to the UK.

Polling reflects the divisive nature of the debate: 58% oppose removing ILR from existing holders, but 44% support scrapping the policy for future applicants.

Key Takeaways:

• Starmer condemned Reform UK’s ILR plan as “racist” and “immoral.”
• Labour proposes extending ILR eligibility to 10 years, not scrapping it.
• Polls show the UK public deeply split on the issue.

Source: BBC News