Almost 80 Labour MPs have written to Andy Burnham urging him to water down planned immigration reforms, arguing that the Government’s approach is too focused on reducing migration and not compassionate enough.
The intervention highlights continuing divisions within Labour over immigration policy, with some MPs concerned that tougher rules could alienate left-leaning voters.
In a joint letter to the prime minister-in-waiting, the MPs criticised proposals put forward by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, including plans to make migrants wait longer before they can settle permanently in the UK.
Under the Government’s Immigration and Asylum Bill, most migrants would have to wait twice as long before becoming eligible for indefinite leave to remain, the immigration status that allows someone to live and work permanently in Britain.
The bill would also require asylum seekers who have been housed in taxpayer-funded accommodation to repay some of those costs once they are able to work. Ministers say the measure is designed to make the asylum system fairer and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
However, Labour MPs argued the proposals also unfairly target people who arrived legally and followed the rules. In their letter, they said they could not recall voters asking for tougher settlement rules for migrant workers and warned that the party was spending political capital on reforms that many people did not understand.
The MPs also criticised what they described as “hostile rhetoric” around immigration and asylum, calling on the Government to place greater emphasis on compassion.
Their concerns are not focused on illegal immigration alone. The letter specifically objects to measures affecting legal migrants who come to Britain for work and later seek permanent settlement.
The row suggests that a significant number of Labour MPs are uncomfortable with attempts to tighten parts of both the legal and illegal immigration systems, despite growing public concern about migration levels in recent years.
The reforms would also limit the ability of asylum seekers to use human rights laws to challenge deportation decisions, restrict certain modern slavery claims and introduce a fast-track appeals process aimed at speeding up removals.
Foreign nationals convicted of crimes could also face deportation regardless of the length of their prison sentence, replacing the current system under which deportation is usually considered only for those sentenced to at least 12 months behind bars.
At the same time, the Government is continuing work on new “safe and legal routes” for refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. The scheme is expected to be based on sponsorship programmes similar to those already operating in Canada and under the UK’s Homes for Ukraine programme.
The latest intervention is not the first sign of opposition from Labour’s backbenches. Earlier this year, more than 50 Labour MPs reportedly threatened to rebel against aspects of Mahmood’s immigration plans unless they were softened.
Mr Burnham supported the reforms during his campaign in Makerfield, a constituency that strongly backed Brexit, and has argued that voters want greater control over immigration.
Whether he chooses to stand by the measures or bow to pressure from Labour MPs could become one of the first major tests of his leadership. For now, the letter underlines a debate that continues to divide the Labour Party: how far Britain should go in tightening its immigration system, and whether tougher controls reflect what voters want.
What do you think?
The intervention from almost 80 Labour MPs has reignited the debate over immigration and border control.
Supporters of the reforms argue that requiring migrants to wait longer before settling permanently, strengthening deportation powers and asking asylum seekers to repay some accommodation costs are reasonable measures that reflect public concerns about immigration levels and pressures on public services.
Critics, however, say the proposals are unfair on people who have come to Britain legally and risk creating a system that is too focused on enforcement rather than compassion.
Do you think Labour should press ahead with tougher immigration rules, or should ministers listen to MPs calling for the reforms to be watered down?
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