Shabana Mahmood given migrant warning as Labour civil war explodes | Politics | News
Shabana Mahmood faces backlash over immigration reforms (Image: Getty)
Chris Philp says Shabana Mahmood fears left-wing MPs exploiting Labour’s leadership crisis could block a crackdown on immigrants.
The shadow Home Secretary has warned that watering down settlement rights reforms would “open the door to millions of low-paid or unemployed immigrants from outside Europe remaining in the UK indefinitely”.
The comments sparked an extraordinary row, with sources close to the Home Secretary accusing Mr Philp of not understanding “immigration policy”.
A further change will be introduced later this year, highlighting that the rules governing indefinite leave to remain (ILR) could be changed by changing immigration rules.
Mr Philp said: “Last autumn Shabana Mahmood announced her new ILR plans to great fanfare and applause, but we heard nothing about it in King’s speech last week.
“Shabana is clearly too afraid of Labor backbenchers to implement her own plans.
“This will open the door for millions of low-paid or unemployed immigrants from outside Europe to stay in the UK indefinitely and receive full benefits.
“The Conservatives have a tough plan to ensure only the highly paid earners stay and the rest leave Britain.
“But it seems the Government is too afraid of donors and open borders MPs to do anything to protect our borders.
Home Secretary Ms Mahmood faces a growing rebellion from health groups, unions and left-wing MPs over her plans to change settlement rules.
Overseas citizens face a 10-year wait to apply for indefinite leave to remain; This is double the current five years.
Foreign nationals arriving during the so-called ‘Boris Wave’ face a 10 to 15-year wait to apply for indefinite leave to remain, especially amid fears about an influx of low-skilled workers due to the abused Health and Social Care Visa earlier this decade.
And immigrants could be banned from receiving benefits unless they are British citizens.
Ms Mahmood said those relying on benefits had to wait 20 to 30 years before being granted indefinite leave to remain.
Under Labour’s new proposals, those applying for indefinite leave to remain after 10 years must have no criminal record, speak A-level English and have no debts.
But Angela Rayner, one of Labour’s leadership candidates, described plans to make migrants wait longer as “un-British”.
And union leaders are increasing opposition to the plans.
A spokesman for Home Secretary Ms Mahmood claimed the Conservatives “clearly do not understand immigration policy”.
He added: “ILR changes do not require legislation.
“These are being done through changes to immigration rules.”
