Welcome to the weekly Free Motion publication!
The long-awaited Cranston inquiry into the deaths of over 30 folks trying to cross the Channel in a small boat in November 2021 was revealed final week. It discovered that systemic failures, together with continual employees shortages, undermined the rescue response. The inquiry additionally recognized the widespread perception amongst HM Coastguard employees that misery calls from small boats had been routinely exaggerated. A minimum of among the deaths, it concluded, had been preventable.
The Home of Commons held a debate final Monday prompted by two petitions – signed by greater than 330,000 folks – which name for the five-year path to settlement to remain and the earned settlement proposals to be scrapped. The modifications are anticipated to have an effect on many tons of of 1000’s of individuals.
Critics, together with many from inside the Labour occasion, expressed considerations in regards to the retrospectivity of the proposals: “Retrospective software of this coverage could be not solely deeply unfair, however solely unjustified.” The proposals are pushed by the federal government’s forecasting that round 1.6 million folks can be eligible for settlement between 2026 and 2030. With out retrospective software, the coverage loses a lot of its supposed impact.
The session closes on Thursday, so that is your closing reminder from us to reply.
Individually, following threats of visa penalties, the Democratic Republic of Congo joined Namibia and Angola in agreeing to just accept again migrants who’ve entered the UK irregularly. As much as 3,000 folks may now be eliminated.
Over on Free Motion, Alex Pilestka has addressed a query on lots of people’s minds: can I apply for indefinite depart to stay early to keep away from being caught by the earned settlement coverage? Cathryn Davies explains how the earned settlement proposals danger discriminating towards migrant ladies.
Sarah Jabir has produced a sensible information on what to do in case you are stopped and refused entry on the UK border and Nick Gore has written a briefing on find out how to apply for a pupil visa.
Subsequent week we’re operating a webinar on supporting migrant victims of home abuse via the immigration system. You may enroll right here.
Jasmine
What we’re studying
I’m the Prime Minister of Spain. This Is Why the West Wants Migrants, New York Instances, 4 February 2026
A minimum of 30 deaths in small boat crossing avoidable, inquiry finds, BBC, 5 February 2026
Authorities uncertain what number of NHS employees can be affected by immigration modifications, The Unbiased, 2 February 2026
‘Pulling up the drawbridge’: Alf Dubs criticises Shabana Mahmood’s plans for youngster refugees, The Guardian, 9 February 2026
‘I’ve spent 13 years constructing a life within the UK. Labour’s immigration crackdown may take all of it away’, The Unbiased, 4 February 2026
300,000 youngsters face 10-year watch for settled standing underneath UK plans, says IPPR, The Guardian, 9 February 2026
Historical past of asylum appeals in the UK, Home of Commons Library, 6 February 2026
Revealed: The industries caught using probably the most unlawful employees, The i Paper, 4 February 2026
