Rayner warns immigration reforms risk being 'un-British'

Angela Rayner has warned that government plans to make it more difficult for refugees already in the UK to settle permanently are un-British and a "breach of trust.

Ministers want to double the time it takes for the majority of migrant employees to become permanent residents from five years to ten years, although for refugees, it could take 20 years.

Rayner's rebuttal of the proposals came during a speech in which she also suggested that Labour has "represented the government.

The address, which is one of her most popular interventions, will reignite rumours that the former deputy prime minister is about to face Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for the top job.

Rayner, who works with Labour, told the Mainstream group that continued the Labour Party is at risk, saying it

will not just go through the motions in the face of decline,

adding, "We're running out of time.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's recommendation that migration be modified, she said there are people who are now fearful for their future as a result of the government "moving the goalposts.

Mahmood has characterised the changes as fair and that they were designed to avoid a "drain on our public budgets.

Following the defeat of the Green Party in last month's Gorton and Denton by-election, Rayner's intervention, which came on Tuesday evening, is seen as part of efforts to encourage the prime minister to shift his policy platform to the left.

Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said he did not read the text but that the "impatience to bring reform is shared right across the government."

When asked if Rayner would be a good leader, he said Sir Keir had demonstrated fine leadership and was "fully the one to lead our country.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told BBC Radio 4's Today show that he knew where Rayner was coming from and that Labour "would do well to listen to what Angela has to say.

"To be fair, there was a strong indication of a genuine reaction from the chancellor of the exchequer, who I think made a good speech and signalled a radical departure away from the status quo by proposing a roadmap for fiscal devolution.

Burnham, referring to a decrease in net migration after Rayner's review of changes to immigration, said: "I do believe the government has a story to tell here, and it needs to tell it more effectively."

I think the government really needs to point to that in order to allow some breathing space for a considered discussion of the immigration reforms,

he said when he expressed his doubts over a policy to grant refugee status to temporary immigrants.

The deal, also known as permanent leave to remain, gives a person the right to live, work, and study in the United Kingdom for as long as they like, as well as applying for benefits if eligible.

According to the Home Office, net migration – the difference between those entering and leaving the country – has been shown by the Home Office. Between 2021 and 2024, the UK population has grown by 6 million people.

In its consultation on making changes, the department estimated around 1.6 million people could therefore settle between 2026 and 2030, which would be a good deal for them.

Labour must demonstrate that it will make the system work for working people and enforce a fair deal, Rayner said.

However, she cautioned that this does not mean ripping up a deal halfway through for migrants who are contributing to the economy and the country.

People who were already invested in the system, who made a significant investment, now fear for their future,

Rayner, who resigned after revealing she underpaid tax after buying a flat in Hove, said. "They do not have stability and do not know what will happen.

"We cannot discuss a settlement if we keep moving the goalposts.

"Because moving the goalposts undermines our sense of fair play. It's un-British.

"Let us be a world without sustainable migration laws, but one that maintains British values that we want to value.

'Privilege'

The government's suggested changes would extend the minimum waiting period to ten years, although there will be criteria that could lengthen or shorten it. The changes would not extend to people who have already signed a settlement. Some Labour MPs have expressed resistance to the plans, which are part of broader immigration reforms.

The home secretary said that the deal in the UK was a privilege, not a right. I believe five years is really a short time before people can be permanently settled in the country with all of the benefits that come with it, she told MPs. I think it's right, therefore, that we prolong it. "Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to stay up to date with Westminster's inner workings and beyond.