Prime Minister Burnham Backs Principle of Tougher Settlement Rules for Migrants

LONDON: British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that he stands by the principles behind the immigration reforms put forward by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, amid speculation that political pressure could lead the government to dilute the plans.

Speaking in an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the Prime Minister was asked whether he supported the Home Secretary’s proposal to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five years to as long as fifteen years for some migrants. Mr Burnham said he endorsed the principle underlying the changes, describing settlement in the United Kingdom as “a right to be earned, not just something that is granted automatically.” He added that the Home Secretary would announce the government’s final decision shortly.

The proposals originate from reforms announced in November 2025, which would replace the current standard five-year route to permanent settlement with a system of “earned settlement.” Under this approach, the length of time a migrant must wait before qualifying would vary according to individual circumstances and contributions. The plans have drawn criticism over their possible effect on migrant workers and over whether the stricter rules should apply to people who are already living in Britain.

During the same interview, Mr Burnham said he believed that Brexit had weakened the British economy as well as the country’s control over immigration, while stressing that any future change in the UK’s relationship with the European Union would ultimately have to be decided by the British public.

Mr Burnham became Prime Minister on 20 July 2026, days after being elected leader of the Labour Party. A former Mayor of Greater Manchester, he returned to Parliament in June 2026 after winning the Makerfield by-election. His comments come ahead of the government’s budget, due on Wednesday.