Ministers seek to ease Labour revolt over proposed immigration crackdown

05 April 2026 , 14:42

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Ministers seek to ease Labour revolt over proposed immigration crackdown

Ministers are reportedly working covertly with Labour MPs who are concerned about a proposed immigration crackdown.

Government insiders are said to be assisting rebel MPs in obtaining more exemptions from the reforms led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. 

The proposed changes aim to increase the duration migrants must reside in the UK before they can claim the right to stay permanently.

The Government is currently consulting on plans to double the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to 10 years.

Former deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner is among those concerned that the changes could be applied retroactively to migrants who have already spent years living and working in Britain.

Several Labour MPs spoke anonymously to The Guardian, with one suggesting that preventing the changes from applying retroactively could calm backbench resentment.

Another told the newspaper that MPs felt they were being treated with a degree of "contempt" because they were not being given a chance to vote on the plans, while a third said some rebels had received angry calls after signing a letter condemning the proposals.

Labour critics of the plan are reportedly preparing to use a rarely employed 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 emphasized that the proposals were still under consultation and insisted that Labour was elected on a manifesto commitment to reform the immigration system.

He said: "At the general election, Labour promised to introduce an immigration system that works for Britain but is also fair to those seeking asylum from wars or other horrific events happening abroad."

Mr. Reed added: "The Home Secretary has announced her intentions. She stated at the time that we would consult on these changes, and we are currently undergoing that consultation.

"But the factor that is dividing communities is those political forces that find personal advantage in creating division."

Sophia Martinez

World Affairs Correspondent