Andy Burnham is expected to vote in favour of the immigration bill during its second reading in the Commons on Monday night, with his team indicating support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's proposed changes. These include doubling the time required for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to 10 years and restructuring asylum tribunals.
Key Changes in the Immigration Bill
The bill, returning to the Commons for its second reading, also outlines how courts can apply Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) in immigration and deportation cases. Mahmood has claimed this provision is being abused and aims to tighten its application. Additionally, the bill proposes replacing the independent court system for asylum tribunals with a new appeals body.
Mahmood is also expected to announce plans to enable the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of a grooming gang recently released from prison after serving 22 years for multiple child sexual offences. Currently, a 1971 law prevents the deportation of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK over 50 years ago. Mahmood intends to change this to allow deportation of those convicted of serious criminality, though Pakistan has indicated it is unlikely to accept Ahmed's return.
Reactions and Implications
Burnham's spokesperson stated: "Andy believes the public deserve an asylum system that is both compassionate and credible. This bill takes important steps towards restoring confidence by tackling illegal crossings while strengthening safe and legal routes for genuine refugees." Almost 80 Labour MPs have signed a letter urging Burnham to change the policy so it does not apply to migrants already in the country, calling it "an anathema to who we are, what we stand for and how we should do politics."
The Home Office has said it will respond soon to a consultation on the reforms, including on ILR. One option under consideration is that those currently in the UK would qualify for ILR after the five-year wait rather than a decade, but would need to wait an additional period to claim state benefits. MPs are not expecting a rebellion over Monday's bill, though some abstentions are anticipated.
A No 10 spokesperson said: "We are committed to doing everything to deport this vile criminal and exploring every possible option."
