UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh clarified her support for the government's migration reform policy, after a remark suggesting she could not "lie" about backing a key element of the changes was perceived negatively by colleagues. The policy proposes increasing the period before foreign workers can claim permanent residency from five to 15 years.
The clarification by the Energy Secretary highlights internal divisions within the government over proposed changes to migration policy, specifically regarding the path to permanent residency for foreign workers. These reforms could impact the labor market and the UK's ability to retain essential workers, particularly in sectors like social care.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh issued a clarification on Thursday evening regarding her stance on the government's migration reform policy, after earlier remarks were perceived as opposition. Fahnbulleh stated she "fully support[s] our home secretary and the government’s position on migration reform," and that it is "absolutely right that people should have to make a contribution to this country in order to earn citizenship."
Her initial comments, made at a journalists' event, implied she could not "lie" about supporting a key element of the proposed changes, which would increase the period before foreign workers can claim indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to 15 years. This appears to have caused friction among colleagues, though No 10 declined to comment on whether they requested the clarification.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is consulting on the plans, which have faced opposition from within the Labour party, including from Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and former immigration minister Mike Tapp. Fahnbulleh had previously posted about a community discussion on her constituency website, where she was quoted as saying that prolonging the wait for settlement could prolong the process of building cohesion.
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