Cabinet Split Widens Over Immigration Plans
Shabana Mahmood, the UK's Home Secretary, is facing pressure to reconsider her immigration policy after Labour expressed opposition to her plans to extend the waiting period for indefinite leave to remain. The proposed changes would require foreign workers to wait 15 years before being eligible for permanent residency, a significant increase from the current five-year waiting period.
The policy, which would be backdated to apply to anyone arriving in the UK from 2021 onwards, has sparked a cabinet split, with some ministers reportedly expressing concerns about the potential impact on the economy and business. Labour has also voiced its opposition, with Miatta Fahnbulleh, the shadow home secretary, urging Mahmood to "read the room" and reconsider the plans.
No 10 has declined to rule out watering down the proposals, suggesting that the government is open to revising the policy in light of the opposition. The move has sparked concerns that the government may be willing to compromise on its immigration plans in order to avoid a cabinet split.
