The Newshound

Andy Burnham declines to say if migration levels are too high as Shabana Mahmood prepares sweeping settlement reforms

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 November 2026 · last updated 2 November 2026.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking to ITV News, said welfare cuts could plunge people into "absolute crisis" as he marked his first 100 days in office.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking to ITV News, said welfare cuts could plunge people into "absolute crisis" as he marked his first 100 days in office.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, as a Labour poll puts the party on 30 per cent — a rating Electoral Calculus projects could deliver Burnham a majority of nearly 100 seats.
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, as a Labour poll puts the party on 30 per cent — a rating Electoral Calculus projects could deliver Burnham a majority of nearly 100 seats.
Former SNP first minister Nicola Sturgeon also criticised Chancellor John Healey's Budget interview as "weirdly hesitant", saying he appeared to "speak without saying anything.
Former SNP first minister Nicola Sturgeon also criticised Chancellor John Healey's Budget interview as "weirdly hesitant", saying he appeared to "speak without saying anything.
Opinium polling data, conducted largely after John Healey's Budget, showing Labour eight points ahead of Reform — with Labour MPs already putting staff on standby ahead of a possible May election.
Opinium polling data, conducted largely after John Healey's Budget, showing Labour eight points ahead of Reform — with Labour MPs already putting staff on standby ahead of a possible May election.

Andy Burnham told ITV Tonight he finds it "difficult to say" whether legal migration is too high or too low, as he argued the answer hinges on where the economy has shortfalls — a position likely to frustrate voters who want a straight answer. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing sweeping reforms, among them a potential extension of the wait for indefinite leave to remain from five years to as long as fifteen for foreign care workers.

Cabinet divisions over the proposals run deep, with Angela Rayner having publicly attacked backdating plans and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh declining to endorse the extended settlement period.

Former Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to use a Harvard speech to make the case for Britain eventually rejoining the EU, crediting Burnham for his readiness to "face reality head on".

Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman broke ranks, warning Burnham the EU is a "pro-capitalist, pro-imperialist project" — he is the only Scottish Labour MP to have publicly backed Brexit.

MoreDaily Mail NewsJohn Swinney said Andy Burnham would be the 'last Prime Minister'... but Nicola Sturgeon admits she wants Labour leader to 'do well'Financial TimesAndy Burnham must show his hand on migration, welfare and the EUAOL News UKHow Rachel Reeves has mapped out the agenda for Andy Burnham’s governmentThe HeraldAndy Burnham declines to say whether immigration is too highThe ScotsmanScots Labour MP warns Andy Burnham against rejoining 'imperialist' EU
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