Energy Minister Backs Home Secretary on Migration Reforms After Remarks

Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh has affirmed her support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's migration reforms, clarifying remarks she made that were interpreted as a lack of endorsement. Fahnbulleh stated she "fully support[s] our home secretary and the government's position on migration reform" in a later statement after what she described as a "light-hearted self-deprecating remark" about a television interview.

During an interview on Wednesday, Fahnbulleh was asked multiple times if she supported the government's proposed changes to increase the residency period required for migrants to gain permanent UK status. She did not provide a direct answer, instead stating the government was consulting on the proposals. When pressed again on Sky News, she said the immigration system should be based on "compassion, contribution."

Later, speaking to reporters on Thursday, Fahnbulleh recounted a promise she made to herself upon entering politics: "never lie," which she said had created "awkward moments" during interviews. She suggested this was a joke and not intended to signal disagreement with Mahmood's reforms.

In her clarifying statement, Fahnbulleh added, "I didn't get it right and it hasn't come off as I intended." She reiterated her view that "it's absolutely right that people should have to make a contribution to this country in order to earn citizenship."

The government's proposed reforms aim to double the time most migrant workers must wait for permanent residence from five to 10 years, and up to 20 years for refugees. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced in September at the Labour Party conference that the government would seek a position that "balances fairness for those who came here legally and fairness to British citizens across this country."

However, the proposed changes have faced opposition from a number of Labour MPs and trade unions who are advocating for the policy to be softened. A significant number of MPs and trade unions have called for the proposed policy to be watered down. Downing Street has maintained that the Home Secretary is reviewing responses to a consultation exercise before finalizing the reforms, with the Prime Minister's official spokesperson stating on Wednesday that "The home secretary is leading a thorough piece of work to make sure we get this right."

This situation follows similar public comments from another Cabinet minister, Angela Rayner, who criticized the proposed changes ahead of Labour's conference. Rayner expressed concern about shifting the goalposts for individuals who arrived in the UK expecting to secure permanent residence under existing rules. She later denied that there were internal divisions within the government on the matter.