ILR

In addition, the Tories say they would tighten the conditions on people applying for ILR.

When an individual attains ILR - also known as settled status - they can access state benefits and use the NHS without extra charges.

The total numbers, however, are still below 2011, when there were 167,000 ILR grants.

Such individuals could, in theory, ultimately be denied ILR under the Conservatives' plans.

The shadow home secretary Chris Philp clarified on Thursday how the Conservative policy on ILR applicants needing to show a net contribution to the UK economy would work.