The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been called upon to extend benefit eligibility to thousands of migrants granted permanent residency. Labour’s Emily Thornberry has urged that permanent residency status should allow migrants to access welfare benefits, challenging proposed stricter immigration and benefits rules.
Current government plans require migrants to wait longer—up to 10 years in most cases—to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a status linked to benefits eligibility. Thornberry argues that these extended waiting periods are unfair and that the Labour leadership, including Sir Keir Starmer, should reconsider their stance.
However, Thornberry faces criticism from within her own party. Luke Akehurst, Labour MP for North Durham, emphasized that controlling immigration remains a top concern for his constituents. He supports Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s reforms aimed at reducing the appeal of the UK by tightening welfare access for migrants.
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Conservative critics have also condemned the proposal. Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho stated, “Name a single country where foreign citizens can access full benefits without being a permanent resident or citizen. There isn’t one.” She warned that allowing full benefits without residency status would undermine the principle that members of society should contribute before receiving support.
Home Secretary Mahmood has defended her immigration overhaul, inspired by Denmark’s approach, to discourage illegal migration by resetting the asylum process. The package includes making refugee status temporary and doubling the qualifying period for ILR to 10 years in most situations.
The debate highlights the ongoing tensions in UK immigration policy between humanitarian concerns and efforts to manage public finances amid increasing pressure on welfare systems.