British in Europe opposes immigration bill put forward by Conservatives

British in Europe is alarmed by the comments made by Katie Lam MP in an interview with the Sunday Times published on 19 October 2025 and a bill drafted by the Conservatives to undermine key immigration protections in the UK.

Ms Lam seems to be saying that most individuals with permanent residence in the UK don't fit with her view of Britishness. As a result they should 'go home'. This is racist and despicable.

Ms Lam doesn't actually define her version of Britishness or British culture and it is not even clear whether she also means people born in the UK. Holders of permanent residence have made their lives in the UK, built families and communities, and belong there. Acquisition of permanent residence brings with it the promise of a stable future for migrants and their family members and at the same time allows them to contribute culturally, economically and socially to life in the UK. It is a message from the UK government that it welcomes them and a pledge that it will protect and maintain those rights as long as the rights holders comply with UK law, as is the case for all British citizens.

If Ms Lam’s views were copied by the far-right across Europe and beyond, what would this mean for around 4.8 million British citizens living legally outside the UK? Should we also be told to go home or be deported? Policy actions in the UK have consequences beyond UK borders.

We see also that the government put out a late and inadequate response to Ms Lam’s comments. It was mealy mouthed and showed no clear understanding of the most fundamental role of government, which is to uphold the rule of law and protect the legal rights of all the citizens and residents of a country, not just the ones who bring in the most money and hold a British passport. We note that the Labour Party Chair, Anna Turley, issued a statement with more appropriate language on 22.10.2025 but we would like to see a similar statement from the Prime Minister or, at the very least, the Home Secretary.

If you don't agree with Ms. Lam's or the government’s views, please take the time to write to your MP to say so. British citizens living overseas got their voting rights in UK general elections back in 2024 and our votes can make a difference to our MPs. If you have not yet registered to vote you can do so here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.