Tory Party Softens Stance on Immigration Policy After Backlash

Strategic Insights -

The Conservative Party's position on immigration has been described as "incoherent" by its own members after a rising star, Katie Lam, sparked outrage for suggesting that some legally settled migrants should be deported to create a "more culturally coherent" country. In an attempt to clarify the party's stance, Home Affairs Editor Kemi Badenoch insisted that the party "doesn't believe in making things retrospective" and denied plans to deport migrants who have already been granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Conservative Party has faced criticism for its proposed immigration policy, which would revoke ILR from individuals who do not earn above £38,700 or who have claimed benefits.
  • The policy would have applied retrospectively to migrants who arrived in the UK before 2021, but Kemi Badenoch has softened the stance after a backlash from moderate Tory MPs.
  • Katie Lam's comments earlier this month sparked outrage, suggesting that some legally settled migrants should have their right to stay revoked so that they can "go home" and leave behind a more "culturally coherent" country.
  • Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp tabled draft legislation in May that would revoke ILR from individuals who did not meet the new income threshold or had claimed benefits.
  • James Cleverly, the shadow housing minister, denied Philp's proposals earlier this week, stating that "retrospective changes are not what we are talking about."
  • The party's position on immigration has been described as "incoherent" by its own members, with Kemi Badenoch admitting that the party's stance needs to be more "coherent".

Statistics:

  • The proposed immigration policy would have affected migrants who arrived in the UK before 2021.
  • The new income threshold of £38,700 would be applied to migrants who wish to retain their ILR status.
  • 5 years of continuous residence is currently the requirement for migrants to apply for ILR.
  • The policy would have applied to individuals who had not gained British citizenship.

Sources:

  • Byline: Daisy Eastlake Political Reporter Matt Dathan
  • [Times Radio]
  • [Conservative Party members]
  • [Kemi Badenoch]
  • [Chris Philp]
  • [James Cleverly]