- Angela Rayner has publicly criticised proposed immigration reforms, labelling them "un-British" and a "breach of trust", challenging the government's stance.
- The reforms, put forward by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, aim to double the qualification period for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years.
- Under the proposed changes, migrants would also need to meet stricter criteria, including high English proficiency, a clean criminal record, community volunteering, employment, and National Insurance contributions.
- Downing Street has declined to reaffirm its commitment to these flagship reforms, stating it is "considering responses" to a Home Office consultation that concluded in February.
- The Conservative Party has seized on the government's hesitation, warning that watering down the plans would demonstrate weakness in protecting the UK's borders.
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