Angela Rayner previously said plans were "un-British" and ministers shouldn't shift "the goalposts".
Labour MPs pull their punches on immigration changes
Source: BBC Politics
Original reporting
BBC Politics: read the full reportFollow this story
Earlier reports and follow-ups on the same developing story.
Related stories
NPR Politics
With so much data flooding in ahead of Election Day, here's how to sort the information
There's a lot of data coming at Americans from polls, predictions markets and political chatter. But it's important to take that information in with caution as much of it isn't predictive.
The Guardian
Migration is a moral issue for Burnham – but is he trying to please everyone?
PM wants to tie Shabana Mahmood’s hard line on borders to recognition of the value of migration, but he may need to shout his conviction How will UK immigration rules change under Shabana Mahmood’s latest plans? While out on the campaign trail in Makerfield, Andy Burnham gave a glimpse into where he might land on Labour’s plans for immigration reform, which had already been decried by the left of the party as unfair while described on the right as electorally necessary. Asked what he thought of Reform’s attack on “open borders Andy” – Nigel Farage’s early attempt to define him as soft on migration – the then Manchester mayor dismissed the charge as “ridiculous” and went on the defensive. Continue reading...
NPR Politics
AI chatbots are becoming political advisers. Their answers can mislead voters
Millions of Americans are turning to AI for election information, but chatbots are getting voting facts wrong and recommending candidates, raising concerns they could influence voters' decisions.
NPR Politics
Is America really that polarized? The answer might be a surprise
The U.S. has become more politically polarized, but research shows people overestimate their differences and there is 'messy middle' majority of Americans who share overlapping political views.
The Guardian
How will UK immigration rules change under Shabana Mahmood’s latest plans?
Home secretary has softened on some proposals but is still hardening rules for those wishing to settle permanently Shabana Mahmood has watered down some of last year’s immigration plans after a backlash from enraged backbench Labour MPs and some of her cabinet colleagues. But the package of proposals outlined on Thursday is still a radical hardening of the rules for those wishing to settle permanently in the UK. People on lower incomes will have to wait longer before achieving indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK, while people on higher salaries will find it easier. Continue reading...
The Guardian
Half-witted at best, a people-pleaser at worst: step forward, Chris Philp | John Crace
Responding to Shabana Mahmood’s changes to indefinite leave to remain, the shadow home secretary was detached from reality Better late than never. It had seemed as if some apologies from the prime minister were more sincere than others. The one that he has planned to deliver for Britain’s role in the slave trade at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Antigua fell on the right side of genuine. There had been no need to make one at that time. Indeed Kemi Badenoch saw it as a sign of weakness. There again, she would refuse to apologise for running someone over on a pedestrian crossing. Somehow it would have turned out to be the victim’s fault. Andy Burnham’s apology for not being able to turn up in the Commons to lend support to his home secretary might rather fall into the “sorry, not sorry” category. Making life more difficult for migrants was more one for Keir Starmer’s legac