Mahmood signals softer line on UK immigration at Labour conference

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has signaled the government will soften planned restrictions on permanent residence and reopen a refugee resettlement scheme.

• Mahmood, addressing Labour's annual conference, said the government would come to a position balancing fairness for legal migrants and British citizens.
• Her proposals had extended the wait for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years, with 15 years for health and care workers.
• Mahmood announced the reopening of Britain's refugee resettlement programme, suspended for two years, with an annual cap and security checks.
• The Refugee Council said the legal routes must accept thousands, not hundreds, of refugees to be effective.
• The five-to-15-year extension for care workers would apply retrospectively to those arriving since 2021.
• Mahmood announced new sponsorship routes involving communities, universities and companies.
• The Home Office expects around a quarter of arrivals to be Afghan women and girls and Palestinians fleeing Gaza.