UK Energy Secretary Dodges Questions on Key Immigration Policy Plank
Miatta Fahnbulleh repeatedly declined to confirm support for proposed changes to permanent residency waiting times, sparking speculation of internal party dissent.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh on Tuesday deflected multiple attempts to elicit her support for a core component of Labour's proposed immigration reforms, specifically Shabana Mahmood's plan to extend the waiting period for permanent residency in Britain. Fahnbulleh, who had previously criticized such measures, refused to directly answer questions about the policy seven times during an appearance on Sky News.
The proposal from Home Secretary Mahmood suggests extending the five-year wait for permanent residency by up to 10 years for foreign care workers, a plan that has reportedly drawn criticism from some senior Members of Parliament. Fahnbulleh, alongside Angela Rayner, had voiced opposition to extending the time individuals must wait for settlement when both were serving on the backbenches earlier this year. Fahnbulleh had previously described such extensions as undesirable in a now-deleted online post.
When pressed on whether she now backed the policy, Fahnbulleh emphasized the necessity of broader immigration system reform. "We have got to reform our immigration system," she stated, adding that the system should be "based on the principle of compassion and contribution." She indicated that the Home Secretary is reviewing consultation responses and will announce the government's path forward. Fahnbulleh, identifying herself as someone who came to the UK as a refugee, asserted that the current immigration system is "broken" and requires fundamental reform.
She further stated, "I support reforms that say that people have to contribute and make a contribution to this country in order to get citizenship," and declared, "I 100 per cent back Shabana Mahmood and everything she is trying to do." However, she consistently avoided confirming her support for the specific prospect of a 15-year wait for settlement.
A government source commented that the minister had supported the policy and the consultative process, but noted that the final policy details are not yet settled pending the review of the consultation. Therefore, ministers could not offer definitive opinions on specific aspects of the proposals.
Angela Rayner had previously attempted to assuage concerns about a potential rift within the Cabinet regarding Mahmood's immigration plans, expressing confidence that her colleague would implement a policy that is equitable to both taxpayers and migrants following the consultation period.
A government spokesperson confirmed that reforms have been announced to ensure that settlement must be earned rather than automatic, and that responses to the consultation on these reforms are currently under consideration.