# Burnham weighs exemptions from tougher settlement rules amid Labour divisions

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/now-andy-burnham-is-poised-to-dilute-big-immigration-crackdown-in-bid-to-avert-labour-civil-war/
- Published: 2026-10-23T15:54:32+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T16:17:51+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16233491/Andy-Burnham-looks-set-dilute-big-immigration-crackdown.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Business, Government, Markets, Politics, World

## Key points

- Burnham is weighing changes to Labour’s proposed immigration reforms.
- The plan could extend settlement waits from five years to 15.
- Exemptions for health and care workers are being considered.

## Summary

Andy Burnham is considering changes to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposed immigration reforms, as Labour faces a Cabinet split and possible rebellion by MPs. The proposals would make migrants wait longer for permanent UK residence, and opponents say the changes could alienate progressive voters.

The current plan would increase the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to as long as 15, apply the rules retrospectively and potentially affect people already in the UK. One option under consideration is exempting some workers, particularly in health and social care. The Prime Minister has not fully committed to the reforms, saying decisions will follow consultation; 80 Labour MPs previously urged him to soften the plans.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.