London Mayor Sadiq Khan has hit out at the government\u2019s proposed length of settled status for immigrants, saying the measure would leave them without a stake in the nation\u2019s future.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the Fabian Society\u2019s annual conference, Khan said while the drastic fall in legal migration \u201cprovides a unique opportunity for progressives to reset the immigration debate\u201d, he added that should involve highlighting the benefits of immigration.<\/p>\n
He outlined the three \u2018c\u2019s he thinks the argument Labour should be making must centre \u2013\u00a0 compassion, control and contribution. Speaking of the last value he said \u201cI was raised by immigrant parents who wanted to do just that. They worked hard for my future and for the future of my siblings, as well as for the future of the generous city that gave them so much.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a city of immigrants, London is full of people like them.\u00a0 People who want to work hard, pay their taxes, learn our language, and follow our laws.\u00a0 They\u2019d be the first to agree that \u2013 to stay here \u2013 you must integrate and contribute. But at the same time, integration is a two-way street.\u00a0 Any host society should help new arrivals to settle, integrate and contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Khan criticised plans to make immigrants wait considerably longer to achieve settled status in the UK as part of reforms by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t give them a stake in our country\u2019s future \u2013 it takes that stake away.\u00a0 In London alone, we have new figures that doubling the time it takes to get permanent settlement rights could affect over half a million Londoners, who contribute over \u00a350 billion to our economy every year.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also said that a shift from permanent to temporary refugee status could damage integration efforts and would leave people\u2019s lives \u201covershadowed with uncertainty\u201d.<\/p>\n
JOIN LABOURLIST \u2018IN CONVERSATION\u2019 WITH STEVE ROTHERAM ON 3rd FEB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Mahmood announced the biggest shake-up of the legal migration system in almost 50 years in November, with migrants reliant on benefits facing a 20-year wait for settlement under the plans.<\/p>\n The Home Secretary defended the plans in November and said: \u201cTo settle in this country forever is not a right, but a privilege. And it must be earned.<\/p>\n \u201cI am replacing a broken immigration system with one that prioritises contribution, integration and respect for the British sense of fair play.\u201d<\/p>\n Subscribe here to our daily newsletter<\/a> roundup of Labour news, analysis and comment\u2013 and follow us <\/strong>on <\/strong>Bluesky<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a><\/strong>, <\/strong>X<\/a> and <\/strong>Facebook<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Share your thoughts. Contribute on this story or tell your own by writing to our Editor. The best letters every week will be published on the site.\u00a0Find out how to get your letter published<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Value our free and unique service?<\/p>\n LabourList has more readers than ever before – but we need your support. Our dedicated coverage of Labour’s policies and personalities, internal debates, selections and elections relies on donations from our readers.<\/p>\n\n
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