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

Burnham became Prime Minister on July 20, after being elected leader of the Labour Party on 16 July

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday he stood by the principles of reform to the immigration system set out by his Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, following speculation that a political backlash could force them to be watered down.

Asked if he agreed with Shabana's policy of extending the time it takes to secure indefinite leave to remain to 15 years from five for some migrants, Burnham told ITV's Good Morning Britain he stood by the principle of what she had put forward.

"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."

“I would like to see that happen in my lifetime.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham tells Good Morning Britain he believes Brexit has weakened the UK economy and its control over immigration.

But he insists the British public must have the final say, ruling out a move to rejoin the… pic.twitter.com/ekqozF2USj

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) October 26, 2026

Burnham became Prime Minister on 20 July 2026, after being elected leader of the Labour Party on 16 July. He previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 and returned to Parliament in June 2026 after winning the Makerfield by-election.

The immigration proposals stem from reforms announced by the Secretary of State in November 2025. The plans would replace the existing five-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain with a system of earned settlement, under which the time required could vary according to migrants' circumstances and contributions.

The proposals have faced criticism, including over the potential impact on migrant workers and whether the changes should apply to people already living in the UK.