Question
Framing today’s statement is the fact that under this Labour Government and this Home Secretary, net migration is down 82% from its peak under the previous Conservative Government. However, can she confirm that alongside the changes that she is making to legal migration, there will be serious consequences for settlement for those entering our country by dangerous and illegal means?
Answer
My hon. Friend is right that migration is down under this Government, and we are taking steps to make sure that we bring coherence and rationality to the migration system and fix the mess left behind by the previous Government. On his point about illegal migration, that is why there is an additional waiting period of 10 years for those who enter illegally; we consulted on this matter, and there was a plurality of support for that measure. It reflects the fact that in the end, the Government and their people have to be in control of our migration system, not people-smuggling gangs. Bill Presented Animal Shelters (Licensing) Bill Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57 ) Mr Richard Holden, supported by Rebecca Harris, Mr Mark Francois, John Lamont, Dan Carden, Dame Caroline Dinenage, Simon Hoare, Dr Peter Prinsley, John Glen, Mims Davies, Greg Smith and Dr Neil Hudson, presented a Bill to make provision for the licensing of animal shelters; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 15 January 2027 , and to be printed (Bill 168).17% point-scoring 33% vibes
Verdict: GREEN (88/100)
The question asked whether people who enter the UK illegally will face serious consequences for settlement. The reply directly confirmed this and gave a specific mechanism: an additional 10-year waiting period before settlement. It also explained the reasoning, citing consultation support and the aim of undermining people-smuggling gangs. The answer is clear and committed, so the asker would likely have enough to move on without a follow-up.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Home Secretary confirm that there will be serious consequences for settlement for those entering the UK by dangerous and illegal means, alongside changes to legal migration? | Addressed | Direct | The question asks whether there will be serious settlement consequences for those who enter illegally, and statement 4 directly confirms this with a concrete mechanism: an additional 10-year waiting period for illegal entrants. Statements 5 and 6 support the policy by citing consultation backing and the rationale of government control over smuggling gangs, while statements 1–3 are general framing. |