Angela Rayner Criticizes Home Office Migrant Visa Plan

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has voiced strong objections to a proposed plan by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that would make it more difficult for foreign workers to gain permanent residency in the UK.

Rayner stated that the Home Office's proposals would unfairly "change the goalposts" for individuals who have relocated to the UK to work in the care sector, caring for vulnerable people. She expressed concern that such a policy shift would be "very disruptive" for those who have dedicated years to their roles.

Reports suggest that Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, also opposes the plan and is considering an exemption for foreign care sector staff already in the UK. Additionally, it is understood that at least 100 Labour Members of Parliament and trade unions share opposition to Mahmood's proposed crackdown.

These policy disagreements are anticipated to be a significant point of contention at an upcoming Labour conference. Rayner indicated that her opposition to the plan is well-known, stating, "I think Shabana knows. It was in the newspaper at the time. I've not changed my view on that."

Between 2022 and 2024, approximately 185,000 foreign nationals were recruited to work in the UK's care sector. The government halted this recruitment last year as part of efforts to reduce net migration figures.

In separate but related discussions on migration, Andy Burnham has previously attributed the UK's challenges in preventing Channel migrant crossings to Brexit, citing a "loss of collaboration with neighbours" on migration issues. This stance contrasts with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who stated in February that Brexit was not to blame for the small boats crisis.