Starmer has overseen the worst ever start to a year for illegal immigrants crossing the channel. The idea that he is tough on immigration is a joke

IMMIGRANTS will have to wait up to 10 years before becoming British under a crackdown unveiled today.

- By Steph Spyro Deputy Political Editor

Labour will end automatic settlement and citizenship for anyone living in the UK for five years.

But Tories accuse Sir Keir Starmer of “pretending to be tough” while stealing credit for Conservative successes.

Lashing out at the PM, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Starmer has overseen the worst ever start to a year for illegal immigrants crossing the channel. The idea that he is tough on immigration is a joke.”

Criminals

He spoke after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed migrants will have to spend a decade in the UK before applying to stay — unless they can show a “real and lasting contribution” to the economy and society.

She also said the care worker visa will be closed for overseas recruitment.

Additionally, the Government will raise English language requirements across every immigration route as it looks to bring down net migration — which topped 728,000 last year.