UK Labour Party Divided Over Immigration Crackdown

0:00On March 19, Tensions are rising in the UK Labour Party over a new immigration crackdown. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government wants to double the way time for indefinite leave to remain from five years to ten years. This change would hit 2.2 million migrants who arrived since 2021, applying the rules retroactively. Angela Rainer, the former Deputy Prime Minister, slammed the plan in a speech that some see as a leadership move. She called it unfair and against British values for changing rules on people already here. Opposition figures jumped in too. Conservatives said they'd back the policy and even vote with Labour to push it through Parliament. Reform UK's Robert Generick warned it could spark a rebellion and cost taxpayers billions of softened. Allies of Home Secretary Shabbana Mahmoud shared polls showing strong public support, including 59% of Labour voters in favour. The downing street hinted at possible tweaks, by shorter waits for those who contribute to the economy.

1:01A consultation is now underway on the retrospective part, leaving the final shape of these plans up in the air as party debates heat up.