Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has requested that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer dismiss Immigration Minister Mike Tapp for publicly opposing her proposed tightening of settlement rules for foreign care workers. In an article published in The Times, Tapp argued that care workers already in the UK should not face extended waiting periods for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).
Minister's Article Sparks Controversy
Mike Tapp wrote in The Times that it was his “strong belief” that those who entered the UK on care worker visas and have adhered to regulations while contributing to the care system should not be required to wait longer to apply for settlement. He stated that he was working closely with officials to “develop a better approach than a blanket retrospective extension from five years to 10 years for everyone.” This directly contradicted Home Secretary Mahmood's proposal to double the qualifying period for most migrants, including those already in the UK but not yet granted ILR.
Breach of Collective Responsibility
A Government source confirmed that Mahmood has asked the Prime Minister to sack Tapp for breaching the ministerial code. The source explained that Tapp had violated the convention of collective responsibility, which requires ministers to speak publicly in line with government policy. By publishing an article at odds with Home Office policy, Tapp undermined the unified stance expected of cabinet members.
Downing Street Remains Silent
Downing Street has declined to comment on the matter. As of Thursday evening, Tapp is understood to remain in his post as immigration minister, despite the Home Secretary's request for his dismissal. The situation highlights tensions within the government over immigration policy, particularly regarding the treatment of care workers who have been essential during the pandemic and ongoing staffing shortages in the care sector.
