Home Secretary Restricts Minister's Document Access

The home secretary is restricting one immigration minister's access to government documents following publication of an unauthorized newspaper article on visa rules. Immigration Minister Mike Tapp wrote in The Times that foreign care workers who arrived on visas and contributed to the care system should not face longer waits for settlement.

The article appeared on Thursday evening. A Home Office source said the home secretary viewed the article as a breach of collective responsibility and the Ministerial Code. A Downing Street spokesman said the prime minister is "taking advice" and retains confidence in both officials.

Tapp posted on X that he has "receipts" for his work on the policy and will not drop his views. Home Office sources interpreted the reference as a potential threat to release internal documents. Tapp must now obtain the home secretary's approval before viewing government documents or attending meetings.

The government plans to increase the qualifying period for permanent residence from five to ten years for most migrants. People on health and social care visas would face a 15-year wait, and those receiving benefits for more than 12 months would wait 20 years.

The Immigration and Asylum Bill, which seeks to increase removals of refused asylum seekers, is scheduled for introduction in the House of Commons next Tuesday. Justice Minister Jake Richards told BBC Radio 4 there is an "ongoing debate" about the immigration rules and said such discussion should occur more privately.