Rayner brands Tory immigration plans a betrayal of British values

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has launched a scathing attack on Conservative proposals to overhaul immigration settlement rules, branding them a ‘breach of trust’ and fundamentally ‘un-British.’ Speaking exclusively to this newspaper, Rayner accused the government of undermining the principles that have long defined Britain’s approach to integration and fairness.

Under the draft legislation, migrants who have lived in the UK for over five years but fail to meet new income or language requirements would be barred from applying for indefinite leave to remain. The move has drawn fierce criticism from human rights groups and Labour MPs, who argue it reneges on promises made to long-term residents.

Rayner, a vocal advocate for progressive immigration policies, vowed to oppose the measures in Parliament, warning they would ‘tear families apart’ and ‘isolate communities.’ ‘This isn’t about controlling borders—it’s about cruelty disguised as policy,’ she said. The reforms, first floated in March, are part of a broader Conservative agenda to reduce net migration by 300,000 annually.

The Home Office defended the plans, stating they would ensure only those ‘who contribute meaningfully’ to the economy could secure long-term status. However, critics point to Home Office data showing 62% of migrants earning below the proposed threshold already pay taxes and work in sectors facing chronic labour shortages, such as healthcare and social care.

In Manchester, where over 8,000 residents are on the settlement pathway, local council leader Sarah Jenkins called the reforms a ‘disaster in the making.’ ‘These people are our neighbours, teachers, and nurses,’ Jenkins said. ‘Punishing them for systemic failures in our immigration system is wrong.’

Opposition MPs are preparing an amendment to block the proposals, arguing the Home Office has failed to provide evidence that higher thresholds reduce net migration. ‘Where’s the data?’ asked Labour MP Priya Patel. ‘All we see is ideology masquerading as policy.’ The government has until June 30 to finalise the rules, with Parliament set to vote in July.

The debate exposes deep divisions within Whitehall, with Home Secretary James Cleverly reportedly at odds with Chancellor Rachel Reeves over the economic rationale. Reeves has privately questioned whether the reforms will deter migration as intended or simply push more people into the black economy.

For now, Rayner’s warning resonates beyond Westminster. In Leicester, where one in three residents is foreign-born, community leader Amina Khan said the reforms risk ‘turning Britain into a country that forgets its promises.’ ‘We don’t just build walls,’ she said. ‘We build futures here.’