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The energy minister has publicly affirmed her support for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s immigration reform plans following a comment she described as “light-hearted.” During an interview on Wednesday, Miatta Fahnbulleh repeatedly declined to state whether she backed the government’s proposal to extend the period migrants must wait to obtain permanent residency in the UK.
Reflecting on this interaction the next day, Fahnbulleh humorously explained to reporters that her reluctance to answer was driven by a personal commitment to “never lie.” However, in a subsequent statement, she clarified her intent by saying, “Today I made what was meant to be a light-hearted self-deprecating remark. I didn’t get it right and it hasn’t come off as I intended.” She went on to emphasize, “I fully support our home secretary and the government’s position on migration reform.”
Permanent residence, also known as indefinite leave to remain, allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UK indefinitely and become eligible for benefits. The government’s plan involves doubling the qualification period for most migrant workers from five to ten years, while refugees could face up to a 20-year wait. Speaking at the Labour Party conference in September, Mahmood promised that the government would adopt an approach that “balances fairness for those who came here legally and fairness to British citizens across this country.” Despite this, many Labour MPs and trade unions have urged her to reconsider or reduce the proposed changes.
Downing Street has reiterated that Mahmood is still reviewing responses to a consultation before finalizing the reforms. On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the prime minister noted, “The home secretary is leading a thorough piece of work to make sure we get this right.” During her Sky News appearance earlier that day, Fahnbulleh stated, “We have got to reform our immigration system, and my view is that we need a system that is based on the principle of compassion, contribution.” When questioned further, she indicated that the government would announce the finalized measures after consultations.
During a lunch with political reporters on Thursday, Fahnbulleh shared the personal three promises she made upon entering politics, the first being “never lie,” which she admitted led to some challenging moments, including the previous day’s interview. She clarified that this comment was made in jest and did not imply opposition to Mahmood’s immigration plans, adding, “As I said earlier this week, it’s absolutely right that people should have to make a contribution to this country in order to earn citizenship.”
This exchange occurred shortly after another Cabinet minister, Angela Rayner, expressed criticism of the proposed reforms ahead of Labour’s conference in Liverpool. Rayner cautioned against “shifting the goalposts years down the line” for migrants who arrived at the beginning of the decade and expected to gain permanent residence under the existing rules. Nonetheless, Rayner later denied there was any division within the government regarding the issue
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