A recent immigration controversy has sparked major debate in the UK after Conservative MP Katie Lam suggested that some people with legal residency — including those with Permanent Residency (PR) — should “go home” in order to make the UK “culturally coherent.”
Lam, who serves as a Home Office shadow minister and is seen as a rising Tory figure, told the Sunday Times that many lawfully settled migrants “shouldn’t have been able to come” and that their right to remain should be reconsidered.
“There are a lot of people in this country who came here legally, but in reality shouldn’t have been able to do so,” Lam said. “They will have to return home as well.”
Her comments have triggered strong reactions across the political space. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey called the remarks “deeply concerning and unpatriotic,” saying that those who came to the UK legally, followed the rules, and built their lives here should never be told to “go home.”
“They call this place home,” Davey said in an open letter to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, urging her to clarify whether Lam’s comments reflect official Conservative policy.
Many political observers say Lam’s remarks echo policies similar to Reform UK, which has previously called for the removal of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), forcing immigrants to reapply for limited visas every five years — with preference for “top earners.”
By contrast, Labour has proposed changes to ILR eligibility that would focus on long-term contribution. Under their plan, only migrants who have lived in the UK for at least 10 years and can show evidence of contributing to society — through volunteering or community involvement — would qualify.
💬 What This Means for Nigerians in the UK
For Nigerians holding Permanent Residency (ILR) or working towards it, these discussions highlight the ongoing political debate around immigration rules. While there are no official policy changes yet, it’s important to stay informed, maintain your visa status, and keep records of your UK contributions — such as employment, taxes, or community work — as these factors are becoming increasingly relevant in immigration policy debates.
Naija UK Connect will continue to monitor updates and share how any proposed policies might affect Nigerians living, studying, and working in the UK.
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