Windrush Generation Voice Supports Home Secretary's Immigration Approach
Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch UK and a former British ambassador, has expressed strong support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's immigration policies, describing her as a considerable improvement over her predecessors. In an article published on Friday, 6 March 2026, Mehmet, who arrived in London nearly 70 years ago as part of the Windrush generation, commended Mahmood's capability and determination in handling the complex issue of migration.
Praising Proposed Reforms and Addressing Criticisms
Mehmet welcomed Mahmood's immigration proposals, including the extension of the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five to ten years. This move, part of the A Fairer Pathway to Settlement consultation presented to Parliament in November, has faced criticism from some Labour backbenchers who deem it unfair. However, Mehmet argued that ILR should never be an automatic right and must be judged on individual merits rather than handed out hastily.
He also highlighted other announcements, such as restrictions on study visas for applicants from conflict-affected countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan, and Cameroon. While this sounds firm, Mehmet noted the numbers are minimal compared to the roughly 160,000 student visas issued to India, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in 2025. He questioned why these larger source countries were not mentioned in the measures.
Concerns Over Legal Routes and Integration Challenges
Mehmet expressed less optimism about the opening of more legal routes, including community sponsorship, viewing it as an attempt to appease opponents of stricter measures. He emphasized that procedural adjustments, such as 30-month reviews for asylum seekers, are unlikely to deter illegal journeys or significantly affect overall inflow.
The core issue, according to Mehmet, is the unprecedented scale and pace of immigration. He pointed out that in the year to mid-2024, the UK population grew by 755,000 people, with 98 per cent due to immigration. This rapid growth places immense pressure on housing, GP services, education, and integration efforts, making it nearly impossible to assimilate such large numbers effectively.
Call for Reductions Across All Immigration Routes
Mehmet stressed that significant reductions in the three main immigration routes—work, family, and study—are not only possible but essential. Bringing migration down to manageable levels, coupled with early English language teaching, is crucial for successful integration. He echoed Mahmood's concerns about societal divisions fueled by the scale of change, noting that today's context differs vastly from his own experience in the 1950s.
In conclusion, Mehmet wished the home secretary success with her parliamentary colleagues, viewing her proposals as a necessary first step to address migration in a way that promotes integration and avoids future tensions. His insights, rooted in personal experience and professional expertise, underscore the ongoing debate over Britain's immigration policies.
