Former Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has backed Labour MPs lobbying against the government’s proposed immigration reforms. Meanwhile, she warned that the party risks appearing to represent the establishment rather than working people.
“The very survival of the Labour Party is at stake,” she said. “We cannot hide. We cannot just go through the motions. The change people want must be seen and felt.”
Rayner specifically criticised Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plan to extend the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five to ten years retroactively. She argued that it “pulls the rug” from migrants already living in the UK and represents “not just bad policy but a breach of trust.”
“We cannot talk about earning a settlement if we keep moving the goalposts,” she added. “It’s un-British.”
Tony Vaughan led over 100 Labour MPs in signing a private letter urging the government to rethink the rules. According to him, the reforms ignore Labour values of community, solidarity, internationalism, and social justice. “Financial contribution alone does not define who belongs in society,” Vaughan said. “Therefore, we must fight not just to win, but to shape the debate before it starts.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham praised Rayner. “Labour would always do well to listen to what Angela has to say,” he told the BBC.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds defended the reforms. He argued that they balance border control with fairness for current residents. Mahmood also defended her plan, warning that the asylum system is “eroding trust” and asserting that restoring order at the borders is necessary.
Observers noted that Rayner’s appearance at the reception signaled her political ambitions. However, Mainstream stopped short of endorsing her for party leadership. Rayner resigned from cabinet in September after breaching the ministerial code over unpaid stamp duty. Additionally, ongoing HMRC investigations may complicate a leadership bid.
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