Labour Faces Cabinet Revolt Over Immigration Reforms
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 24 Oct 2026, 1:26 am AEST
Andy Burnham has indicated support for Shabana Mahmood’s plans to increase the time foreign workers must wait for permanent residency to 15 years, backdated to 2021. This move is triggering a cabinet revolt, with some colleagues questioning the government’s approach to immigration and its impact on the economy.
What happened
- Shabana Mahmood’s proposals to extend the wait for permanent residency for ‘low-skilled’ foreign workers from five to 15 years, applied retroactively to those arriving from 2021, are generating significant internal opposition within the Labour Party.
- Andy Burnham stated his support for Mahmood’s approach, emphasizing the need for settlement to be earned through contribution and that it would guide future reforms.
- However, several cabinet colleagues, including Angela Rayner and Mike Tapp, have voiced concerns, arguing that such retrospective changes would be ‘un-British’ and unfairly punish taxpayers who are contributing to the economy.
- Miatta Fahnbulleh warned that prolonging settlement processes could hinder social cohesion.
- Amidst this turmoil, Kemi Badenoch urged Mahmood to proceed with reforms, citing concerns about the existing indefinite leave to remain system.
- Nigel Farage blamed the Conservative government for the influx of migrants and predicted savings of £234 billion from ending indefinite leave to remain.
Original reporting
- Guardian: Imagine if, for once, Labour decided to tell the truth about immigration | Gaby Hinsliff
2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00 - GB News: Andy Burnham hints at Shabana Mahmood migration U-turn as Cabinet revolt rocks Labour
2026-10-23T15:26:35+00:00