Coffee House Shots Katie Lam on immigration, benefits and the border: ‘generosity has become naivety’
Jul 26, 2025
Katie Lam, a newly elected MP and former finance professional turned scriptwriter, joins Tim Shipman to discuss critical immigration issues. She reveals that 1.3 million non-British individuals receive universal credit, sparking debate over welfare dependency. Lam critiques current immigration policies, balancing empathy for migrants with taxpayer burdens and calls for a complete policy overhaul. She reflects on her family's immigrant history and shares insights on navigating political challenges and her ambitions to enhance trust in government.
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Non-British Universal Credit Costs
- One in six universal credit recipients are non-British, costing about six billion pounds annually.
- This poses a major concern for the sustainability of the welfare system and taxpayer funds.
ILR and Welfare Access Issues
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants can lead to full access to welfare and housing benefits.
- Katie Lam argues benefits should not be accessible simply through ILR to protect taxpayers.
Immigration's Broad Impact
- Immigration impacts housing shortages and welfare budgets significantly.
- Katie Lam says meaningful solutions require addressing immigration as a foundational issue.