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Tories claim Angela Rayner is dictating Britain's migration policy after Shabana Mahmood hints at weakening immigration reforms, including the 15-year wait for ILR.
Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, is now dictating Britain's migration policy following Shabana Mahmood's surrender to Labour's Left, the Conservatives have claimed. The accusation came after Ms Mahmood, the Home Secretary, used her Labour conference speech this week to hint at a climbdown over her controversial immigration reforms. The speech took place in Liverpool, where she told party members she would come to a position that balances fairness.
Ms Rayner was brought back into the Cabinet by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and has branded the reforms as un-British. Ms Mahmood is now expected to water down proposals to make migrant workers wait longer before they can settle in Britain permanently. An announcement is expected later in the autumn, following a Government consultation on the changes.
Labour's Immigration Reforms Under Review
The Home Secretary had proposed making migrants wait up to 15 years before claiming Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), up from five years currently. Her comments at the conference were taken as a signal that she will weaken these plans. The reforms have been a source of tension within the Labour Party, with figures like Ms Rayner opposing them.
Chris Philp, the Tories' shadow home secretary, warned that Ms Mahmood was poised to surrender to the forces on the Left. In an interview with The Sun, he said that what appears to be about to happen is that she is going to give in and surrender to the forces on the Left, led by Angela Rayner. He added that Angela Rayner is now dictating Britain's migration policy and described it as an act of weakness and surrender.
Conservative Party's Stance on Migration
Ahead of the Tories' own conference in Birmingham, Mr Philp told the newspaper he wanted net negative migration, so more people leave Britain than arrive each year. He said he would deport low-wage migrants who earned less than 30,000 pounds once their temporary work visa expired. This stance contrasts with the Labour government's approach, which has seen net migration down over 80 per cent and small boats down over 40 per cent, according to a Labour source.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has rejected suggestions that Ms Mahmood's planned visa changes may not happen because Ms Rayner views them as un-British. He has said the reforms would need to strike the right balance. Asked whether he was Team Shabana or Team Angela, he told LBC this week that he is both, and that it reflects that there is a consultation with different opinions from politicians and a range of views that have gone into it.
Political Reactions and Future Steps
The Labour source emphasized that the Tories surrendered control of our borders, while this Labour Government is restoring control. The consultation process is ongoing, and the outcome will shape the future of UK immigration policy. The debate highlights internal divisions within Labour and sets the stage for a political battle with the Conservatives.
As the government reviews the consultation responses, all eyes are on whether Ms Mahmood will indeed water down the reforms. The decision will have significant implications for migrants and for the UK's broader migration strategy. With both parties gearing up for their conferences, migration remains a key battleground.
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Angela Rayner Shabana Mahmood UK Migration Policy Conservative Party Labour Party Indefinite Leave To Remain Andy Burnham
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