Senior minister’s U-turn to back immigration plan
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has publicly backed the Government’s immigration reforms after repeatedly declining earlier in the week to endorse a key proposal. Her reversal follows criticism of plans to extend the wait for permanent settlement, which have prompted unease among Labour MPs.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has proposed increasing the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to as many as 15 for some migrants, including foreign care workers. Fahnbulleh had previously criticised longer waits as harmful to social cohesion, but said on Thursday she supported the reforms and the principle that people should contribute to earn citizenship. The Government is reviewing more than 200,000 consultation responses, and Downing Street has not ruled out changes.
In short
- Fahnbulleh now backs the Government’s immigration reforms.
- The proposal could extend settlement waits from five to 15 years.
- Labour MPs have raised concerns as the Government reviews consultation responses.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a longer route to permanent settlement could reinforce the principle that citizenship follows sustained contribution and give the public confidence that immigration rules are fair and consistently applied. They may see the proposed reforms as a way to manage migration responsibly while the Government considers public feedback and possible changes.
The case against
Critics argue that extending the wait from five years to as many as 15 could leave people who work and contribute for years in prolonged uncertainty, making it harder to build secure lives and communities. They may also contend that this risks weakening social cohesion, particularly for care workers whose labour is already relied upon.
Explained simply
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is permission to settle permanently in the UK, usually after a qualifying period. It gives people more secure status than a time-limited visa and can be a step towards applying for British citizenship.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has proposed lengthening that wait from five years to as many as 15 for some migrants, including overseas care workers. The Government says its wider reforms would link settlement to people’s contribution to the country; the details are still under review following a public consultation.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is among Labour ministers whose views matter to the debate within the party. Her support comes amid unease among some Labour MPs, and the Government has yet to say whether it will change the proposals.