Shabana Mahmood’s immigration reforms are expected to be presented to Parliament next week, shortly before MPs begin their recess, in an effort to head off the threat of a major backbench revolt.
The Home Secretary’s proposals to tighten the rules affecting more than one million migrants have triggered a deepening split within Cabinet.
Dozens of Labour MPs have signalled that they could oppose the legislation. At the heart of the dispute is Ms Mahmood’s plan to increase the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) from five years to as long as 15, with the changes applied retrospectively.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh criticised the Home Office proposals publicly earlier this month, after Communities Secretary Angela Rayner called them “un-British” and “wrong”.
In July, 80 MPs also wrote to the Prime Minister urging him to soften the Immigration and Asylum Bill, warning that Labour risked alienating “progressive” voters.
The Government’s consultation on the proposed ILR changes ended earlier this year.
Shabana Mahmood, pictured, is expected to present her immigration reforms to Parliament next week
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Ms Mahmood’s revised plans are understood to be heading to Parliament next week. Bringing them forward before MPs return to their constituencies on Wednesday could prevent a backbench rebellion from gathering momentum during the recess.
Andy Burnham is reportedly considering whether to relax the proposed ILR timeframe in an attempt to avert a Labour civil war.
The Prime Minister will be eager to avoid a repeat of the revolt over Sir Keir Starmer’s attempt to reduce disability benefits in 2025, a dispute that ultimately forced the then Prime Minister into a U-turn.
Mr Burnham declined last week to endorse the most stringent elements of the immigration package.
The Prime Minister said he supported the “principle” that “settlement is a right to be earned through contribution”.
One proposal reportedly under discussion would exempt certain groups of migrants—particularly health and care workers—from parts of the reforms, including the longer wait for ILR.
