Senior Conservative Kemi Badenoch moved swiftly on Thursday to calm fears that a future Tory government would strip Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from low-earning migrants already settled in Britain. The clarification followed incendiary remarks by fellow MP Katie Lam, who floated income-threshold tests for settled migrants as part of a draft opposition policy paper. Businesses, rights groups and several Conservative grandees warned that retroactive changes would undermine investor confidence and breach the U.K.’s international obligations.
Speaking on Times Radio, Badenoch insisted that any tightening of settlement criteria would apply only to new entrants, adding that ILR can already be revoked on criminality grounds but not for economic reasons. She also distanced herself from calls to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), saying “we don’t make policy by slogan”.
For employers, the episode underscores the political volatility around long-term status and the importance of documenting sponsorship compliance. Global-mobility teams should reassure current ILR holders that no immediate rule change is planned, while keeping contingency plans for higher salary thresholds or language tests currently under Home Office review.
Political analysts note that immigration is emerging as a key dividing line ahead of the next general election, and that both main parties are signalling tougher settlement pathways. HR leaders should therefore expect further consultation papers on minimum-income and integration-test reforms before year-end.
Speaking on Times Radio, Badenoch insisted that any tightening of settlement criteria would apply only to new entrants, adding that ILR can already be revoked on criminality grounds but not for economic reasons. She also distanced herself from calls to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), saying “we don’t make policy by slogan”.
For employers, the episode underscores the political volatility around long-term status and the importance of documenting sponsorship compliance. Global-mobility teams should reassure current ILR holders that no immediate rule change is planned, while keeping contingency plans for higher salary thresholds or language tests currently under Home Office review.
Political analysts note that immigration is emerging as a key dividing line ahead of the next general election, and that both main parties are signalling tougher settlement pathways. HR leaders should therefore expect further consultation papers on minimum-income and integration-test reforms before year-end.
