UK's Burnham says he agrees with principle of migration reform

Item 1 of 3 Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street to attend PMQs at the House of Commons, in London, Britain October 21, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville [1/3] Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street to attend PMQs at the House of Commons, in London, Britain October 21, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday ​he stood by the principles ‌of reform to the immigration system set out by his interior minister, ​following speculation that a ​political backlash could force them to ⁠be watered down.

Asked if ​he agreed with Shabana Mahmood's policy ​of extending the time it takes to secure indefinite leave to remain to ​15 years from 5 ​for some migrants, Burnham told ITV's Good ‌Morning ⁠Britain he stood by the principle of what she had put forward. Sign up here. "The home secretary is right, ​in my ​view, ⁠to bring forward changes that are based on ​the principle that settlement ​is ⁠a right to be earned, not just something that is granted ⁠automatically," ​he said.

"And she'll ​set out the final conclusion soon." Reporting by ​Sam Tabahriti; editing by Kate Holton Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab Suggested Topics: United Kingdom X Facebook Linkedin Email Link Purchase Licensing Rights