Westminster Hall Debate Outcome - Government Confirms Earned Settlement Will Proceed
18 Mar 2026
The 17 March Westminster Hall debate on immigration reforms concluded with the government confirming it will press ahead with earned settlement changes — despite near-unanimous backbench opposition to applying the new rules to people already in the UK.
This was the second Westminster Hall session on ILR reform in 2026, triggered by a petition with 234,000 signatures. MPs from all parties spoke against the retrospective element of the proposals, with every backbencher who contributed urging the government to protect those already partway through their qualifying period. Despite the pressure, ministers declined to offer firm assurances. The Home Secretary indicated that some immigration rule changes will begin from April 2026, with the broader earned settlement framework — including the 10-year baseline qualifying period and the contribution-based scoring system — expected to be incorporated into the Immigration Rules in autumn 2026.
If you're on the BNO route, one positive was confirmed: BNO holders retain a 5-year settlement path through a built-in reduction from the 10-year baseline. This has been stated previously but was reiterated during the debate. For Skilled Worker and Family visa holders, there is still no firm commitment that your existing qualifying period will be protected if you haven't reached ILR yet. The government said transitional arrangements remain "under active review," but gave no indication of when a decision will be made.
The debate changes nothing immediately — no new rule has come into force — but the government's direction is clear. If you are concerned about the retrospective impact, the best practical step is to reach your ILR eligibility date as soon as possible and monitor the Home Office's formal announcement on transitional arrangements, which is expected before autumn 2026.
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