Migration is a moral issue for Burnham – but he also wants to tell a positive story
Summary
Andy Burnham defended Labour’s migration reforms while arguing that migration also helps fill gaps in the UK economy. The reforms keep longer settlement waits for most migrants but include earlier settlement options for some care workers and people judged to make a strong contribution.Key Facts
- Burnham rejected Reform UK’s claim that he is soft on migration and cited his former role in the Home Office, where he worked on returning people without a legal basis to stay.
- Burnham supported Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plans to limit legal and illegal migration, but said the government should explain the changes in terms of fairness and contribution.
- Almost 300,000 care workers will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years under a carve-out in the reforms.
- Some people considered to make a strong contribution, including high earners and workers in health and teaching, can also settle after five years.
- Most migrants face a longer wait for settlement, with the article reporting that the reforms double the period to 10 years for many.
- Some of the toughest proposals remain, including retrospective changes for many migrants and waits of up to 30 years for some people who arrive by small boat.
- Nigel Farage called the care-worker exemption “the beginning of the capitulation” on borders.
- The article says polling indicates public support for doubling the settlement wait for most migrants to 10 years.
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