The court concluded that the rules were not unlawful on the basis of discrimination, or due to a conflict with the statutory duty to regard the best interests of children while making visa decisions.

However, it did find that the earnings threshold could be disproportionate if combined with one of the four other requirements in the rules - for example, an inability to supplement a shortfall in income with savings, unless the savings were over £16,000.

It is now for Home Secretary Theresa May to decide whether any amendments should be made to the rules to satisfy the requirements of proportionality.

Hold your breath and pray for common sense

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