Lord Khan of Tooting has joined calls for Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to reconsider her proposed immigration reforms, which would extend the period foreign nationals must wait before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom. The proposal seeks to increase the eligibility period from five to 15 years, a change that has sparked criticism from both government figures and trade unions concerned about its impact on sectors such as social care.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Lord Khan expressed sympathy for those currently residing in Britain under existing immigration rules. While he acknowledged the government’s need to manage borders and ensure that new arrivals contribute positively to the country, he emphasized the importance of compassion within immigration policy. Khan said he had submitted feedback during the government’s earlier consultation on the reforms, voicing reservations about retrospective changes but remaining hopeful that Mahmood would incorporate public responses to deliver a balanced policy. He described Mahmood as a long-standing acquaintance who listens carefully to concerns.

The controversy also drew comments from Andy Burnham, who, while supporting the underlying principle that permanent settlement should be earned rather than automatically granted, stopped short of endorsing the five-to-15-year extension. Burnham articulated his position in an interview on Good Morning Britain, underscoring the importance of maintaining fairness for migrants who have already established lives in the UK.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham commented on the issue without committing to full support of the current proposals. He attributed the need for reform to a surge in visa holders seeking permanent residence in the early 2020s, a trend often referred to as the “Boris wave.” Burnham acknowledged the Home Secretary’s rationale for tightening settlement rules to ensure that indefinite leave to remain is reserved for those who have demonstrably earned it. He indicated that further details on the government’s final position would be announced in the near future.

The proposed reforms have highlighted ongoing tensions within the government and across the political spectrum regarding immigration policy, balancing border control, fairness to migrants already in the country, and the practical needs of sectors reliant on immigrant labor. As the Home Office prepares to finalize its approach, stakeholders from various backgrounds continue to call for adjustments that address both economic and social concerns.