Mahmood signals rethink on migrants right to remain

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has indicated a willingness to reconsider proposals that would make it more difficult for foreign workers to obtain permanent residence in the UK. Facing considerable opposition from within the Labour Party, including from Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, as well as from trade unions, Mahmood appears ready to adjust the government’s position. In her speech at Labour’s annual conference, she acknowledged criticism, stating that “some have said elements of these reforms are not fair.”

The proposed reforms involve extending the time required for most migrants to qualify for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years. Additionally, individuals arriving on health and social care visas could face a 15-year waiting period, while those who have claimed benefits for over a year may need to wait 20 years. Indefinite leave to remain grants people the legal right to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits, along with access to benefits if eligible. Earlier this year, Rayner, then a backbench MP, condemned the plans as “un-British,” and maintained her stance upon rejoining the cabinet.

Unison’s general secretary, Andrea Egan, expressed concern that these changes would unfairly disadvantage overseas care workers. Although no final decisions have been announced, Home Office sources said Mahmood was outlining guiding principles in her conference remarks. She emphasized the need for fairness, balancing the interests of those who have legally immigrated with those of British citizens. Mahmood told conference delegates that reforms are designed to ensure “settled status is earned by those who have shown a consistent commitment to this country,” reflecting a broader effort to restore fairness to the asylum system as well as legal migration.

Reaction from Conservative ranks was sharply critical, with a spokesperson accusing Mahmood of yielding to pressure from Rayner and other Labour MPs favoring “open borders” and threatening to “shred her own plans.” In contrast, Prime Minister Andy Burnham denied that Mahmood had been forced to drop the proposals due to Rayner’s objections. He described the situation as a consultation process involving diverse opinions and stressed the importance of “strik[ing] the right balance.” When asked whether he sided with Mahmood or Rayner, Burnham responded, “I’m both of them, I’m Team Angela and Shabana,” highlighting the complexity of the ongoing discussions

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