Energy Secretary repeatedly declines to endorse Labour's extended residency proposal

In a televised interview, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh repeatedly declined to state that she backs Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's proposal to increase the waiting period for permanent residency, potentially up to 15 years for foreign care workers. She emphasized support for comprehensive immigration reform based on compassion and contribution, and said she fully backs the Home Secretary's work, but she did not confirm the specific extension.

The questioning came after earlier criticism of the plan from Labour backbenchers, including Angela Rayner, who also opposed lengthening settlement times. Downing Street indicated that the Home Secretary is reviewing over 200,000 consultation responses and may modify the proposal. Andy Burnham's press office reiterated that ministers will not comment on elements still under consultation, while the Energy Secretary maintained her stance of supporting reforms without committing to the contested detail.