A Labour civil war over immigration is set to erupt in the wake of the local elections as left-wing MPs call for a softer approach, reports BritPanorama.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s party is bracing itself for a nationwide drubbing, as it is expected to lose more than a 1,000 councillors.
Reform is forecast to win most seats, with the Greens and Liberal Democrats also expected to make inroads at Labour’s expense. Some left-wing MPs are planning to seize on Green gains to demand the weakened PM waters down Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s migration curbs.
The Home Secretary’s push to double the time that migrants must live in the UK before obtaining permanent residency rights to ten years has been attacked by colleagues. Allies of Ms Mahmood say she will defend tougher curbs, although she could accept a “transitional” arrangement for foreigners already in the country.
Ms Mahmood is understood to have been furious with a recent outburst from former Deputy PM Angela Rayner, who described the proposed migration policy as “un-British.” One MP commented that the idea of easing migration curbs to placate the Greens is “just plain wrong.”
Some left-wingers have sought to blame Ms Mahmood’s reforms on Labour losing votes to Zack Polanski’s “open borders” Green Party. Polling suggests migration was one of the main issues during the local elections, with research indicating that almost two-thirds of voters in areas holding elections in England feel the Government has been too lenient on illegal immigration.
Sir Keir is expected to further appease left-wing rebels by promising closer ties with the European Union. Downing Street has stated he will fight any challenge to his leadership.
As the Labour Party navigates these tumultuous political waters, the outcome of these internal conflicts will significantly shape its future direction and electoral prospects.
