Crewe and Nantwich MP, Connor Naismith, has backed Government plans to make it harder for migrants to settle permanently in the UK.

The Labour MP spoke in the House of Commons after Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, announced a new 'Earned Settlement' system on Monday 2 November.

Under the plans, most migrants will have to wait 10 years to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). The current waiting period is five years.

People who enter the UK illegally or through clandestine means will face an additional 10-year wait.

Applicants will also need to meet stricter requirements.

These include speaking English to a high standard, having a clean criminal record, owing no money to the taxpayer and making sustained National Insurance contributions.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Naismith highlighted an 82 per cent fall in net migration under the Labour Government compared with its peak under the previous Conservative administration.

He then asked the Home Secretary about the consequences for people entering the country illegally.

He said: "Alongside the changes that she is making on legal migration, can she confirm that there will be serious consequences for settlement for those entering our country by a dangerous and illegal means?"

Ms Mahmood confirmed that an extra 10-year waiting period would apply.

She told MPs: "He's right that net migration is down under this government and we are taking steps to make sure that we bring coherence and rationality to the migration system and fixing the mess left behind by the previous government."

"Let me say to him on illegal migration, that is why there is an additional waiting period of 10 years."

The Home Secretary said the changes would help ensure the Government and the public remained in control of the UK's migration system.

Some groups will be able to qualify sooner, including certain high earners and public service workers.

Read the full government announcement HERE.

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