Carmichael warns of risk to isles from “uncertainty” of extended indefinite leave to remain rules

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has spoken in Parliament this week on the risks to the Northern Isles of government plans to extend, from five to ten years, the period before immigrants can secure indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Speaking in a petition debate on the issue on Monday evening, Mr Carmichael noted the importance  of bringing people into the isles to become part of the community and to fill essential jobs, and warned that the increased uncertainty of the new proposals would make this less likely in the future.

Speaking in the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“The hon. and learned Gentleman is making a compelling case. The position is particularly acute in island communities, where we need to bring people in to be part of our community. Their role is welcomed, as we cannot just ship workers in from another town or village 10, 15 or 20 miles down the road. This extended period of ILR will make it less likely that people will want to settle in communities like mine, because they will not want that extended period of uncertainty in their lives.”

Responding, Labour MP Tony Vaughan said:

“The situation in the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency is similar to that in my constituency of Folkestone and Hythe, where there has been a long-term recruitment and retention crisis. As a coastal area, workers can only go one way. There are massive problems and, as he said, they will be worsened by this proposal.”

Reacting after the debate, Mr Carmichael said:

“You do not have to believe in some sort of open border policy to recognise that there are vital jobs in the isles – in health and social care, hospitality and more besides – that will go unfulfilled if we do not bring people in from elsewhere. As much as anything else this is about ensuring that we continue to have working public services and a thriving local economy in the future.

“Quite apart from the ethical problems of leaving people in legal limbo for years on end, it is entirely counterproductive to what ought to be our goal for anyone coming to this country – that they should integrate into our community, rather than living apart. People have made their homes in the Northern Isles from across the world and become our neighbours, colleagues and friends in the process – that is something we should cherish and encourage, not punish through years of uncertainty.”