LONDON: Former UK Chancellor Sajid Javid has sparked controversy after remarks suggesting that, under current immigration rules, he would not allow his own parents to enter Britain today, reigniting debate over integration, identity, and migration policy in the country.
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In an interview with The Sunday Times, Javid reflected on his journey from a childhood marked by poverty, domestic violence and racism to becoming a senior cabinet minister and multimillionaire. He noted that his father, an unskilled worker, and his mother, who initially did not speak English, would fail to meet today’s entry requirements. Emphasising the importance of language, Javid argued that English proficiency is central to community cohesion and said such requirements should have been implemented earlier.
“I wouldn’t let people like my parents into the UK” – Sajid Javid. The utter Coonacity of this pick me racial gatekeeper. pic.twitter.com/EzdSP1qhGH
— Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu (@SholaMos1) January 26, 2026
Javid’s parents migrated from Pakistan in the early 1960s, with his father arriving with just £1 and working various jobs to support the family. In his memoir The Colour of Home, he describes a difficult upbringing shaped by hardship, violence at home, and racist abuse outside it. He recounts being physically assaulted by his father and bullied by skinheads at school, experiences that left lasting emotional scars.
The memoir also highlights cultural tensions within the family, including his mother’s initial objection to his marriage to a white Christian woman and her later regret over past prejudices. Despite these struggles, Javid credits his parents’ resilience and his own determination for his success, recalling the pride of buying them a home and improving their quality of life.
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His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of disregarding the contributions of earlier migrant generations, while supporters say his remarks reflect a pragmatic stance on integration. Javid has long advocated stricter immigration controls and backed the post-Brexit points-based system, arguing that Britain admits too many migrants and must prioritise skills and language ability.