Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly considering modifications to immigration reforms championed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, a move described by Labour sources as "tinkering" aimed at preempting a potential backbench rebellion early in his premiership. Despite re-appointing Ms. Mahmood, a proponent of a harder stance on immigration, Mr. Burnham is said to be looking at reducing the proposed waiting period for migrants seeking the right to remain in Britain.
The reforms, originally developed under the previous administration, sought to double the time migrants must wait to obtain Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to ten. Ms. Mahmood had indicated the change would apply retrospectively to individuals already in the UK to manage a potential surge in settlement claims following a period of increased migration after the pandemic.
One potential adjustment being explored by Mr. Burnham involves exempting certain migrants currently in the UK from the extended ten-year waiting period. Alternative considerations include abandoning the retrospective application of the rule altogether or creating exemptions for specific groups, such as healthcare and care workers.
This reported deliberation comes after approximately 80 Members of Parliament reportedly urged Mr. Burnham to reconsider the Immigration and Asylum Bill, citing concerns that the party could alienate voters perceived as "progressive."
Opposition parties have criticized the potential softening of the reforms. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated that, similar to his predecessor, Mr. Burnham is "not serious about tackling immigration" and is "capitulating to Left-wing backbenchers on Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) reform." Zia Yusuf, a home affairs spokesman for Reform, commented that immigration is a top concern for British voters, yet it was not mentioned in Mr. Burnham's initial speech.
A government spokesperson affirmed the policy's intent, stating that "the privilege of living here for ever should be earned." The spokesperson noted that the country experienced unprecedented levels of migration between 2021 and 2024 and highlighted the impact of "hundreds of thousands of low-skilled migrants getting settlement." The government plans to double the route to settlement from five to ten years and is consulting on applying this change to those currently in the UK who have not yet received settled status.