Rayner Criticizes Government Immigration Proposals
Angela Rayner has expressed strong opposition to government plans aimed at making it more difficult for migrants already residing in the UK to obtain permanent settlement, describing these measures as "un-British" and a "breach of trust".
The government intends to increase the qualifying period for permanent residence for most migrant workers from five years to ten years, while refugees could face a wait of up to twenty years.
In one of her most notable statements since stepping down as deputy prime minister last year, Labour MP Rayner highlighted that many individuals now "fear for their future" due to the government's approach of "moving the goalposts" on settlement eligibility.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended the reforms, labeling them "fair" and necessary to prevent a "drain on our public finances."
Labour Party Challenges and Rayner's Speech
Rayner voiced her concerns during a speech on Tuesday, where she also addressed the public perception that Labour has "represented the establishment" and cautioned that the "very survival of the Labour Party is at stake."
She emphasized that the party "cannot just go through the motions in the face of decline," adding:
"We're running out of time."
This intervention is viewed as part of efforts to encourage Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to shift Labour's policy platform to the left following the party's defeat to the Green Party in the recent Gorton and Denton by-election.
Rayner, regarded by some Labour MPs as a potential leadership contender, delivered her remarks at a reception for the Mainstream group, a centre-left organisation affiliated with Labour.
Details on Settlement and Migration Figures
Settlement, also known as indefinite leave to remain, grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and to apply for benefits if eligible.
The Home Office has reported that net migration—the difference between those entering and leaving the country—has increased the UK population by 2.6 million people between 2021 and 2024.
In its consultation on the proposed changes, the department forecasted that approximately 1.6 million people could obtain settlement between 2026 and 2030.
Rayner Calls for Fairness and Stability
Rayner stated that Labour must demonstrate its ability to "make the system work for working people" and ensure a "fair deal."
However, she warned that this should not involve "ripping up a deal halfway through" for migrants who are contributing economically and socially to the country.
Rayner, who resigned after admitting to underpaying tax following the purchase of a flat in Hove, said:
"The people already in the system, who made a huge investment, now fear for their future - they do not have stability and do not know what will happen.
We cannot talk about earning 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 country that has sustainable economic migration rules, but one that upholds the British values we want all who live here to respect."
Proposed Changes and Political Responses
The government's proposed reforms would extend the standard waiting period to qualify for settlement to ten years, with criteria that could either lengthen or shorten this period.
The changes would not affect individuals who have already obtained settlement.
Home Secretary Mahmood has encountered opposition from some Labour MPs regarding these proposals, which form part of broader immigration reforms.
During her appearance before the Home Affairs Committee last month, Mahmood stated that settlement in the UK is a "privilege not a right." She told MPs:
"I think at five years that's actually quite a short period before people can be permanently settled in the country with all of the benefits that that brings.
I think it's right therefore that we extend it."
