Shabana Mahmood has made a strong plea for Keir Starmer to dismiss one of her ministers, leading to a clash with No10.
The Home Secretary expressed anger after Mike Tapp wrote an article advocating for changes to her immigration policies without her approval. Tapp emphasized his belief that migrant care workers should not have to wait 15 years to be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a concession that is currently under review.
Despite the Home Secretary’s request, No10 has declined to remove the immigration minister, with reports suggesting there are no immediate plans for his dismissal. This situation could potentially strain relations between the Prime Minister and the head of the Home Office.
Amid backlash, the Home Secretary and her team are reportedly considering an exception to the stringent migration overhaul. A source within the government disclosed that the Home Secretary has urged the Prime Minister to dismiss Mike Tapp for breaching the Ministerial Code, which mandates ministers to collectively take responsibility for decisions.
According to an insider speaking to Sky News, Tapp, a supporter of Starmer, has allegedly presented ideas already being considered by the Home Secretary as his own in a bid to secure a role in the new administration.
Potential future Prime Minister Andy Burnham is deliberating over proposals to soften aspects of the migration reforms. Controversial changes to ILR regulations, including applying them retroactively, have sparked outrage.
If implemented, these changes would extend the qualification period for care workers arriving in the UK post-Covid to 15 years, three times longer than the current five-year requirement. This would necessitate them to find a new sponsor each time they change jobs, potentially causing staff shortages in the struggling sector.
More than 100 Labour MPs have urged Starmer to reconsider these proposals. Lydia Kabute, a health and social care visa holder from Kenya, questioned the rationale behind extending the qualification period and how it could impact those who came to assist during the pandemic.
Trade union Unison has condemned the proposed rule change as morally unjust, warning that it could exacerbate the social care crisis, as nearly 30% of the sector’s workforce comprises migrant workers.
Under the current rules, individuals must reside in the UK for five years to obtain settled status. This period is set to increase to 10 years, but Mahmood has outlined exceptions for NHS workers, high earners, and volunteers who will receive expedited processing. Conversely, those claiming benefits or having entered the country illegally will face penalties.
Mahmood has emphasized that her reforms aim to establish a compassionate yet regulated system.
Attempts to reach Mr. Tapp for his response have been made.
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