Energy secretary refuses seven times to say she backs Mahmood’s controversial immigration plans
Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh repeatedly declined to say whether she backs Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plan to lengthen the wait for permanent residency. Her answers have fuelled questions about possible divisions in the Cabinet, although ministers have denied a split.
Mahmood’s proposal could extend the current five-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain by up to 10 years for foreign care workers. Fahnbulleh said immigration reform should require contribution and help control borders, but said the final package would follow a consultation. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said she had “full confidence” in her colleagues and cited 48,000 small boat crossing attempts the Government says it has prevented since 2024.
- Fahnbulleh would not explicitly back Mahmood’s settlement reforms.
- The plan could add up to 10 years to the wait for care workers.
- Ministers deny there is a Cabinet split.