Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is supporting Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s controversial overhaul of the immigration system, according to allies. The move comes as Burnham prepares for a high-stakes return to Westminster, signaling a refusal to dilute the government’s efforts to limit both legal and illegal migration.
Strategic Shift in Makerfield
Burnham has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate for the Makerfield byelection, a contest described by a campaign source as the most important byelection in half a century. The seat currently holds the largest Reform UK vote in the country, and immigration is cited as the second most important issue for local voters.
While Reform UK has labeled Burnham “open-borders Andy,” those close to his campaign state he will back the reforms to restore border control. A source noted that for Burnham, migration is a moral issue, arguing that the public must trust that elected officials have control over borders before a positive story about migration’s contribution can be told.
The Scope of Immigration Reforms
The policy package introduced by Mahmood includes the removal of the right to permanent refugee status. Government support will be withdrawn from asylum seekers who break the law or are deemed not to need it.
Under the new proposals, individuals granted asylum may be asked to leave if their country of origin is later deemed safe. These measures have drawn sharp criticism from within Labour; Sarah Owen of the Tribune group compared the deportation of children to US ICE detentions, while former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner called retrospective changes to indefinite leave to remain “un-British.”
Party Divisions and Leadership Ambitions
Recent YouGov polling indicates a divide among Labour members. More than half favor the same or more restrictive immigration policies, with 44% backing Mahmood’s changes and 18% desiring an even tougher approach. Only 26% expressed a preference for a more liberal approach.
The poll also reveals that roughly half of party members believe Reform UK poses a greater risk of stealing votes than the Greens, who are viewed as the bigger threat by only 15% of respondents.
Burnham’s policy positions are under intense scrutiny as he is widely expected to seek the party leadership if he wins the Makerfield seat. This could involve challenging Keir Starmer or persuading him to step down. In a separate shift, Burnham recently backed away from his previous support for rejoining the EU, stating it is not something he wants to see in the immediate future.
Nuances and Reservations
Despite his general support, Burnham has expressed specific concerns regarding the reassessment of asylum seekers’ status. Speaking on the Today programme, he worried that constantly checking the status of home countries might hinder the Home Office’s ability to address the existing backlog.
Burnham has previously argued that immigration control weakened following Brexit, stating that one form of immigration was simply replaced by another that is more long-term. He remains supportive of efforts to reduce the reliance on asylum hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific immigration changes is Shabana Mahmood proposing?
The proposals include scrapping permanent refugee status, doubling the time to achieve settled status from five to 10 years, and removing government support for asylum seekers who break the law or do not need it.
How is the Makerfield byelection significant for Andy Burnham?
It is a difficult fight in a seat with a large Reform UK vote. A victory there is widely expected to be a stepping stone for Burnham to potentially run for the Labour party leadership.
Who within the Labour Party has opposed these immigration reforms?
Critics include Angela Rayner, who called the changes “un-British,” and Sarah Owen, who suggested the proposals mimicked Trump-era ICE detentions of minors.
Do you believe a firmer stance on border control is necessary for Labour to maintain its electoral coalition?
