Legal experts to give evidence on settlement, citizenship and integration to Lords committee

Tomorrow the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee will be hearing evidence from immigration lawyers, as it continues its inquiry into settlement, citizenship and integration.  

The session will focus on the Government's proposed changes to settlement and citizenship.    

Giving evidence will be: 

• Zoe Bantleman, Legal Director, Institute of Legal Practitioners' Association 

• Barry O'Leary, Wesley Gryk Solicitors LLP 

Possible questions include: 

• Who will and will not be affected by the Government's proposed changes to settlement? 

• How does the UK's proposed approach to settlement compare with other countries, and if the changes are carried through, will they have an impact on its international standing? 

• How do the UK's asylum rules compare with Europe? If you are a refugee, what legal routes are available to you for coming to the UK? 

• With respect to both settlement and citizenship, what changes can be carried through by the Immigration Rules and what requires primary legislation? 

• Is the process of applying for ILR and citizenship too complex, or is complexity unavoidable? 

• What is the purpose of the Life in the UK Test, and what should the Government consider during its proposed "refresh" of the Test? 

The session will take place on Tuesday 2 December 2025 at 10:30am and can be followed live on Parliament TV.