Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering exempting large numbers of migrants from proposed changes to the UK's immigration system, following a backlash from Labour MPs and a critical intervention from his former deputy Angela Rayner.
The government's consultation includes plans to extend the qualifying period for settled status from five to ten years for most applicants. However, exemptions are being debated for public sector workers and those nearing settlement, though Downing Street has ruled out covering all existing arrivals as demanded by some critics.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the proposals earlier this month, which also include making refugee status temporary and piloting payments of up to £40,000 for failed asylum seekers to leave voluntarily. She argued the changes are necessary to address record net migration of 2.5 million between 2021 and 2024.
Labour MPs have voiced strong opposition, with 100 signing a letter arguing the measures undermine confidence in the asylum system. Rayner criticised the changes as “un-British” for moving the goalposts on settlement. Starmer met with black and minority ethnic Labour MPs on Wednesday to address rising tensions.
