LONDON — Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is facing political scrutiny over proposed changes to migration rules for legal migrants, with the policy direction shifting amid intense parliamentary debate.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Yvette Mahmood at the IPPR think tank in March, where she stated that in just four years, the country experienced levels of migration previously seen across four decades. Mahmood emphasized the destabilizing nature of such rapid change and cited Migration Advisory Committee findings estimating lifetime costs to the taxpayer would reach £10 billion.
However, the IPPR think tank has contested the £10 billion figure, arguing the original plans were never going to create long-term savings as they were meant to delay, rather than prevent, care workers' eligibility for indefinite leave to remain. The think tank further noted the £10 billion figure includes broader long-run costs once care workers enter retirement, claim the state pension and make greater use of health and social care.
By May, with Labour MP Andy Burnham suggesting the 'broad thrust' of the home secretary's approach was right while emphasizing the need to 'get the balance right,' it became clear that significant changes to the policy were highly likely. The Conservatives have criticized the potential policy shift, arguing it amounts to an 'excruciating U-turn' and suggesting the changes could be challenged in court if primary legislation is not used, such as via an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill currently before parliament.
Cooper will argue she has tried to arrive at a policy the widest range of people may see as fair. The range of reaction she provokes in the coming hours and days will test the government's approach to one of the most sensitive areas of public policy.
