Andrew Western

Andrew Western

Labour — Stretford and Urmston

Speaking in the House of Commons on 9 March 2026

Debate

Universal Credit: Foreign Nationals

Contribution

The hon. Lady will be aware that the Conservatives created this system. On her specific question about what we are doing to restrict access to the benefits system for foreign nationals, she will also be aware that the Home Secretary has brought forward proposals to extend the period before somebody can achieve settlement from five to 10 years, and there is a consultation under way to move that point from the point of settlement to the point of citizenship.[Official Report, 25 March 2026; Vol. 783, c. 4WC.] (Correction) However, if it is the Conservatives’ position to suggest that somebody who has worked here for decades, contributed to the system and made a positive contribution to this country should have absolutely no access to support, we have a fundamentally different point of view.

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