Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh clarifies she backs Shabana Mahmood's migration reforms after a 'light-hearted remark' caused confusion over her support.
01Summary
- 01Fahnbulleh refused to explicitly back the government's plan to double the qualifying period for permanent residency from five to 10 years in a Wednesday interview.
- 02She joked to reporters on Thursday she avoided the question because she vowed 'never lie', later calling it a 'light-hearted self-deprecating remark'.
- 03The government's proposal would also extend the residency requirement for refugees to 20 years.
- 04Downing Street says Mahmood is reviewing consultation responses before finalising the reforms.
- 05Cabinet colleague Angela Rayner previously criticised the proposed changes, warning against moving 'goalposts' for migrants already in the UK.
02Why it matters
The confusion highlights internal Labour tensions over immigration policy, which could affect the government's ability to implement reforms that balance fairness for migrants and British citizens.
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