BRITAIN’S housing and welfare systems risk being “overwhelmed” without tougher migrant settlement rules, a Home Office source claims.
It comes as Labour is engulfed in a civil war over plans to double the time when migrants already in the UK can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Former Deputy PM Angela Rayner branded the policy “un-British” and has the backing of around 100 MPs from the Left of the party.
But a Home Office source said: “We’ve got up to 1.6million people on track to settle by 2030, and welfare and housing are already under serious strain, as every constituency MP knows from their inbox.
“If we don’t act now, that pressure will risk getting out of control.
“We’re making sure the system can cope, while keeping a fair route to settlement for those who contribute.”
The row centres on the record “Boriswave” of migrant workers and their families from 2021 to 2024, so named as it began when Boris Johnson was Prime Minister.
Many are nearing the point where they can apply to stay indefinitely, unlocking access to benefits and social housing.
Under Labour’s plans, the time here before settlement would double from five to ten years.
The main flashpoint is whether this will apply to migrants here now.
Ministers are reviewing responses to a major consultation on whether and how changes should apply to those here already.
