Energy secretary criticises Mahmood’s migration policy as risk to cohesion

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

UK Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh raised concerns that proposed migration reforms extending the settlement process could impede community integration, though she later clarified that her initial comments did not fully represent her views. The government’s plan to lengthen the path to indefinite leave to remain, especially for refugees, has sparked debate over its impact on social cohesion and essential workers, with key officials divided ahead of the final decision.

The UK energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, appeared to express concerns about proposed migration reforms under Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, warning that extending the settlement process could hinder community cohesion. Fahnbulleh’s remarks, originally posted on her constituency website following a September community meeting in Peckham, south London, sparked debate before she removed the comments and said they did not accurately reflect her views.

In her initial statement, Fahnbulleh was reported to have suggested that prolonging the wait for indefinite leave to remain could also delay integration efforts. Her office later clarified that the remarks had been paraphrased and would be revised to better represent her position.

The government’s proposed reforms aim to increase the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five years to 10 years, although exemptions may apply for certain professions, such as care workers. For refugees, the path to permanent settlement would extend up to 20 years, with reviews every 30 months. These proposals have not yet been finalized, as the government’s response to its public consultation remains pending. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has affirmed support for the majority of the planned changes.

The reforms have stirred tensions within the Cabinet. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner recently criticized the proposals for potentially penalizing care workers who have relocated to Britain to provide essential support to vulnerable individuals.

Fahnbulleh, who came to the UK as a child refugee from the Liberian civil war, acknowledged in a recent interview that her family would have found the proposed changes challenging. Representing a diverse constituency with multiple generations of immigrant families, she emphasized the complexities involved in fostering integration.

In her address to Peckham residents, Fahnbulleh described the public discourse on immigration as “increasingly depressing and toxic” and called for a more compassionate system. She highlighted the need for reforms that balance control with empathy, and for stronger efforts to promote integration.

“Peckham is a good example of what can happen when communities are built deliberately, and people are given the opportunity to integrate and participate,” Fahnbulleh said. She warned that extending settlement timelines risks stalling the cohesion process and urged for a higher-quality debate that challenges divisive political rhetoric.

Ultimately, Fahnbulleh emphasized the importance of recognizing both the contributions migrants make to society and the costs involved, advocating for an immigration system grounded in fairness, compassion, and practical support for integration.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.