it was 5 years ago, but not now. The new immigration bill to be implemented soon will require at least 8 years for being granted a PR. and this will be also subject to change which will apply retrospectively. so by the time when you spend 8 years here, they may change their law to boot you out. British people is very unpredictable as the weather here. whether you want to come here or not, it is up to you, but if you come here, you have to take a risk of being abused by their policy and people.