Cabinet split widens over 15 year UK permanent residency proposal

A Cabinet split over UK immigration policy has deepened after Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh declined to explicitly support proposed restrictions. The Guardian, The Times, LBC and HuffPost UK all report that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is facing Cabinet opposition over her planned migrant crackdown. In an interview with Sky News, Fahnbulleh said changes to the system must be based on compassion and recognise contribution, avoiding direct backing for Mahmood's proposal. [1][2][3][4]

The contested policy would force foreign workers in the United Kingdom to wait 15 years before they can claim permanent residency, according to the Guardian. The Times and LBC reported that Mahmood is fighting to preserve her immigration plans despite resistance from colleagues. HuffPost UK also reported that Labour ministers have openly condemned the proposal. [1][2][3][4]

Mahmood has served as Home Secretary since September 2025 and is the Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Ladywood, a seat she has held since 2010. She previously served as Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor. Mahmood also chairs the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party. [5][7]

The latest dispute comes after Mahmood took a tough stance on immigration rules in other areas. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Mahmood previously threatened a complete UK entry ban on Eritrean citizens if Eritrea refused to accept returned asylum seekers and criminals. [8][9]