Changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain are wrong

Bobby Dean reacts angrily to the Government’s proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain rules.

The Sutton area has welcomed thousands of people who have come to this country, built their lives here, contributed to our communities, and now face anxiety about their future as a result of the Government’s proposed changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) rules. 

I found out about the Government’s decision to extend the route to Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to ten years whilst speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live. My reaction was instinctive. This is deeply unfair, unnecessarily punitive and not in the spirit of supporting those we have invited to build a life here.

I have also spoken in the House of Commons about those left in limbo by the proposed changes and called out the hypocrisy of this decision for people who have worked hard and played by the rules. Liberal Democrats are urging the Government to provide urgent clarity and reassurance to those affected.  

I believe that the story of immigration in this country has been a largely positive one.

Of course there are practical limits to the volume of people that can come here and integration is key. But it is not said often enough about how immigration enriches our society and strengthens our economy. 

I do not share the Government’s view that immigration has caused “incalculable damage”, far from it. As the proud grandchild of people who emigrated from India to Britain, I know first-hand the value and contribution of migrants to this country. 

Personally, I am committed to represent the interests of everyone in my constituency, wherever you were born.

– Bobby Dean