Andy Burnham's long-awaited speech in Manchester focused heavily on the economy but completely ignored immigration, a critical issue that has driven support for Reform UK and Nigel Farage. Voters are deeply concerned about immigration, and Labour's failure to control it has been a major political liability. Yet Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister, showed no interest in addressing the subject.
The Immigration Challenge
One of the biggest challenges facing the UK Government is stopping illegal immigrants crossing the Channel in small boats. There is also the question of what to do with those who arrive, particularly if they claim asylum. Should they have a chance to make their case to Home Office officials or a court? Where will they live while waiting for a decision? Legal immigration is also a concern: there were 813,000 legal long-term migrants to the UK in 2025, down from almost 1.5 million in 2023, but still high. These migrants will eventually become eligible for indefinite leave to remain, allowing them to claim benefits and use the NHS like UK citizens.
Current Home Secretary's Bold Plans
The current Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has proposed bold answers. She is making asylum status temporary, so even granted asylum can be revoked after 30 months if the home country is deemed safe. She also wants legal immigrants to wait twice as long before claiming indefinite leave to remain. Many Labour MPs are furious with these plans and bitterly oppose them.
Burnham's Silence
Where does Burnham stand? Nobody knows. In his speech, he used the words “Manchester” or “Manchesterism” ten times but did not mention immigration once. There are rumours he might sack Mahmood, make her Chancellor, or demand she water down her proposals. However, all he said today was: “While the political direction I set is not up for negotiation, I will build an inclusive team at the very highest level so that all parts of the party - and the country - can see themselves reflected and represented in it. And, may I say, I will not announce those decisions on appointments – certainly not today – and indeed not until the end of this process so, until then, feel free to discount the wild speculation in circulation.”
Political Consequences
Unless Burnham provides answers soon on one of the biggest issues facing the UK, Nigel Farage will continue to run rings around Labour. His silence on immigration may be his biggest mistake yet, as it cedes ground to Reform UK on a key voter concern.
