By WTF Land
The UK government dropped a bombshell on September 29, 2025, with a new contribution-based settlement model for migrants. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced that indefinite leave to remain will now require high English proficiency, a clean criminal record, and community volunteering. It's aimed at reducing net migration and ensuring migrants "give back" to society. As I cover this from Westminster, where tensions are high, it's clear this is Starmer's attempt to counter Reform UK's surge. But will it work, or is it just window dressing?
Net migration is down to 431,000, but still too high for many. The model doubles the waiting period to 10 years and bans NHS access for non-contributors. "We want people who contribute," Mahmood said. Reform UK, leading polls, proposes scrapping ILR entirely – Farage calls it "endless settlement we can't afford."
The announcement comes amid protests. On September 13, 110,000 rallied in London for "Unite the Kingdom," clashing with police. In Glasgow on 20 September, hundreds protested racism. A federal judge ruling on Trump's US deployment echoes global migration tensions.
Starmer's Labour is in crisis – approval at -56, per NBC News. Conference in Liverpool saw pro-Palestine protests and arrests. Starmer warned of Reform's "racist" plans, but his own policies face backlash from unions.
Experts say the model could cut migration but risks human rights violations. The Guardian reports thousands at risk. As Britain debates, this could define the next election.
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