UK immigration reform plans spark Cabinet and union tensions

Proposed immigration reforms by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have caused friction within the UK Cabinet and with major labor unions. The plans seek to extend the residency requirement for permanent settlement from five years to ten years, with some categories potentially facing even longer waits.

Negotiations between Mahmood and Unison general secretary Andrea Egan collapsed after the Home Secretary declined a request to include a migrant care worker in their private meeting. Unison expressed disappointment, stating the worker intended to represent those directly impacted by the changes. The union is leading a revolt against the proposals, particularly regarding the potential backdating of rules for migrants already working in the UK social care sector.

Internal government divisions have also surfaced. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh declined to explicitly support the extension of the settlement period during a Sky News interview, despite acknowledging the need for immigration reform. Additionally, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has publicly criticized the prospect of backdating the new requirements.