Andy Burnham has stepped back from his previous calls to scrap the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) policy, as his candidacy in the Makerfield byelection draws scrutiny to his immigration stance. The Greater Manchester mayor had previously urged the government to end the rule, which prevents non-UK nationals from claiming benefits or public housing before obtaining settled status.
In 2023, Burnham signed a joint letter with other Greater Manchester mayors calling for changes to NRPF rules to provide a safety net for those facing homelessness. In 2019, he explicitly called for the policy to be abolished. However, a spokesperson now says Burnham recognises the need for a fair immigration system with control, while maintaining compassion.
If elected as MP for Makerfield and subsequently replacing Keir Starmer as prime minister, Burnham is expected to re-examine such policies. His shift follows his support last week for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's controversial immigration reforms, including changes to settled status rules that some Labour MPs deem punitive.
Burnham told reporters in Makerfield that while the thrust of Mahmood's reforms is right, the consultation on settled status must be genuine. His views are under particular scrutiny as he faces a direct challenge from Reform UK in the byelection, with his campaign framed as a vote to change Labour.
