Angela Rayner delivered a scathing broadside against Sir Keir Starmer last night, condemning the Government's immigration reforms as 'un-British' in a speech that marks her strongest criticism of the Prime Minister to date. The former deputy prime minister, who resigned last year amid a tax scandal, argued that plans to make it more difficult for migrants to settle in the UK represent a 'breach of trust' and could lead to electoral disaster for Labour.
Rayner's Fierce Attack on Immigration Policy
Speaking at an event hosted by the Labour soft-Left group Mainstream, which is linked to Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Rayner targeted recent changes announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Previously, migrants granted refugee status received leave to stay for five years before applying for 'indefinite leave to remain' (ILR). However, reforms introduced last year extend this period from five to ten years for arrivals since 2021.
'Moving the Goal Posts' and Fair Play
Rayner, who served as housing secretary, emphasised that many migrants came to Britain with the understanding that working in needed sectors, obeying laws, and paying taxes would allow them to stay. She stated: 'Enforcing a fair deal is not the same as ripping up a deal halfway through. If we suddenly change that, it pulls the rug from under those that have planned their lives and commitments and they're contributing to our economy and to our society.'
She added: 'We cannot talk about earning a settlement if we keep moving the goal posts, because moving the goal post undermines our sense of fair play. It's un-British.' Her comments highlight concerns about stability for migrants already in the system, who she said fear for their futures due to these policy shifts.
Political Implications and Leadership Speculation
This speech follows Rayner's previous breaks with party leadership, including criticism over welfare reforms and the release of files related to the Lord Mandelson scandal. Widely seen as a potential successor to Sir Keir Starmer, especially if Labour faces significant losses in the upcoming May local elections, Rayner urged the party to take bold action.
She declared: 'As a party and a movement, we cannot hide. We cannot just go through the motions in the face of decline. There's no safe ground for us, and we're running out of time. The change that people wanted to so desperately to see needs to be seen.' Rayner called for unity, stating: 'Our party is your party. And we have to come together in the face of division of hate and make sure that the Labour Party represents the ordinary working people of this country.'
Financial Revelations and Future Engagements
In related developments, it emerged that Rayner is set to earn over £100,000 from private speaking engagements and an advance on her memoir, scheduled for release later this year. This financial aspect adds another layer to her public profile as she positions herself within the party.
Rayner's remarks underscore deepening divisions within Labour over immigration policy and leadership direction, with her vocal stance potentially shaping internal debates ahead of critical electoral tests.
