Mahmood plans concessions to Labour rebels on migration reforms as Palestinian refugee scheme draws anti-Semitism warning

From the Newshound archive · first published 29 September 2026 · last updated 30 September 2026.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to offer concessions to Labour rebels on her immigration reforms as soon as next week, having invited key union leaders for talks after hinting she would water down her plan to make it harder for immigrants to settle permanently in the UK. Union sources expect her to move quickly to avoid appearing to have been "dragged into it kicking and screaming." Mahmood also confirmed the reopening of the UK Resettlement Scheme, closed since 2024, creating a new legal route for Palestinian refugees and Afghan women and girls. The announcement drew immediate warnings that the Palestinian element of the scheme risks fuelling anti-Semitism.

New arrivals under the resettlement scheme will be placed on a five-year path to permanent UK settlement, with around a quarter being Afghan women and girls or Palestinian refugees.