Ministers working with Labour MPs amid migration overhaul concerns – reports

Ministers are working behind the scenes with Labour MPs concerned about a planned immigration crackdown, according to reports.

Figures from within the Government are trying to help rebel MPs secure more exemptions from reforms being spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, according to The Guardian newspaper.

The changes are aimed at extending the amount of time migrants have to be in the UK before they can claim the right to stay in the country permanently.

The Government is currently consulting on the proposals to double the time it will take to qualify for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to 10 years.

Former deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner is among those who have voiced concerns that the overhaul could apply retrospectively to migrants who have already spent years living and working in Britain.

Several Labour MPs spoke to The Guardian anonymously, with one suggesting that stopping the changes applying retrospectively could quell backbench anger.

Another told the newspaper they felt MPs were being treated with a degree of “contempt” as they were not being given a chance to vote on the plans, while a third said some rebels had been rang up and “shouted at” after signing a letter condemning the proposals.

Labour critics of the plan are said to be preparing to invoke a little-used parliamentary procedure to force a symbolic vote on the measures in the coming months.

Speaking to the Press Association in March, Communities Secretary Steve Reed stressed the proposals were still subject to consultation, and insisted Labour was elected on a manifesto commitment to reform the immigration system.

He told PA: “At the general election, Labour promised to bring in an immigration system that works for Britain but is also fair to those who may be seeking asylum from wars or other horrific incidents that are happening abroad.”

Mr Reed added: “The Home Secretary has announced what she would like to do. She said at the time that we would consult on those changes, and we’re currently going through that consultation.

“But the thing that is pulling communities apart is those political forces that see advantage for themselves in division.”