Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has criticized Shabana Mahmood’s proposed changes to visa rules for foreign workers, describing the plan as unfair to those who have relocated to the UK to provide care for loved ones. The Home Office’s proposal aims to tighten the requirements for migrant care sector staff seeking permanent residence, a move Rayner said would effectively “change the goalposts” for these workers.

The proposal has drawn opposition from several quarters, including Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is reported to be exploring exemptions for foreign care workers already employed in the UK. It has also met resistance from at least 100 Labour MPs and numerous trade unions. The policy debate is expected to be a significant point of contention at the upcoming Labour conference, which will be Mr. Burnham’s first as party leader.

Between 2022 and 2024, the UK recruited approximately 185,000 foreign workers to fill roles in the care sector. However, the government halted this recruitment last year as part of efforts to reduce net migration levels. This decision has sparked debate within the party about its broader implications.

Adding to the complexity, Mr. Burnham has attributed the continuing arrivals of unauthorized migrants by boat through the Channel to the UK’s departure from the European Union. He argued that Brexit led to a “loss of collaboration with neighbours” on migration issues. This stance contrasts with comments made earlier this year by Ms. Mahmood, who disputed the notion that Brexit was responsible for the rise in Channel crossings.

Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has criticized Mr. Burnham’s position, labeling it as “nonsense” and accusing him of attempting to deflect blame for the government’s handling of migration by misleading the public.

The internal disagreement highlights ongoing tensions within the Labour Party over migration policy, care sector staffing, and the political ramifications of Brexit-related changes to the UK’s immigration landscape.