Labour politician Angela Rayner has sharply criticised proposed government reforms that would make it harder for migrants in the UK to gain permanent settlement, calling them “un-British” and a “breach of trust.”
Under the plans, the time for most migrant workers to qualify for indefinite leave to remain could double from five to ten years, while refugees might face waits of up to 20 years. Rayner warned that the proposals have left many migrants “fearful for their future,” accusing ministers of “moving the goalposts” for those already contributing to the economy.
Delivering a speech to the centre-left Mainstream group, Rayner also suggested Labour risks losing touch with the public and its working-class base, calling for urgent action: “We’re running out of time… the very survival of the Labour Party is at stake.” Her intervention is seen as a potential signal that she may challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership in the future.
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, defended the reforms as “fair” and necessary to prevent a “drain on public finances,” while other Labour figures, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, acknowledged Rayner’s concerns but urged a balanced debate.
Rayner stressed that the government must maintain fairness for migrants already in the UK: “The people already in the system, who made a huge investment, now fear for their future… Moving the goalposts undermines our sense of fair play. It’s un-British.” She called for sustainable migration rules that uphold core British values while supporting economic contribution.
The Home Office estimates net migration added 2.6 million people to the UK population between 2021 and 2024, forecasting that around 1.6 million could settle between 2026 and 2030. The reforms would not affect those who already have settlement.
Rayner’s remarks are part of a growing debate over the UK’s immigration strategy, public trust, and Labour’s positioning ahead of future elections.
