Nearly 80 Labour MPs Urge Andy Burnham to Weaken Migration Reforms That Would Double Wait for Settlement

Nearly 80 Labour MPs have written to Andy Burnham urging him to water down Shabana Mahmood's migration reforms. In the joint letter, the MPs warned that the Home Secretary's Immigration and Asylum Bill risks losing progressive voters. The letter states that targeting migrants who followed the rules and applying changes retrospectively does not pass the fairness test for a compassionate but firm system.

The MPs added that they do not recall being asked on the doorstep to make it harder for migrant workers to settle in the UK. They said the party is expending political capital, Home Office resources, and losing progressive voters on an indefinite leave to remain reform that few understand or want.

The legislation plans to double the time most migrants must wait before becoming eligible for indefinite leave to remain and requires asylum seekers to repay some of their taxpayer-funded hotel bills.

Ms Mahmood's reforms will return to the House of Commons on Monday. The letter is believed to have been orchestrated by Folkestone MP Tony Vaughan. It stops short of calling for Mr Burnham to sack Ms Mahmood and instead demands a drastic change of direction.

An insider told The i Paper that the Home Secretary is seen as toxic. A Labour MP said there are profound concerns within the PLP about her proposals. Mr Burnham's stance on migration has changed considerably since he decided to stand as Labour's candidate in the Makerfield by-election held last month.

Mr Burnham was backed by 322 Labour MPs when nominations for the ongoing leadership race opened this week. The Home Secretary revealed earlier this week that some migrants may receive special treatment and be exempt from a settled status crackdown.