The housing secretary has criticised government proposals to change the waiting period for permanent residency, arguing that the plans are unfair and would “change the goalposts”.
Rayner made the criticism ahead of the Labour conference, where the government’s approach to visa rules is expected to face scrutiny. The proposals would alter the length of time people are required to wait before becoming eligible for permanent residency.
Rayner’s objection centres on fairness. She said changing the waiting period would impose different expectations on people who had already made decisions based on the existing rules.
The available details do not set out the proposed new waiting period or explain when any changes would take effect. The government’s wider visa proposals are expected to remain an issue for Labour as it prepares for its conference.
No further details of the government’s response or the next steps for the proposals have been provided.
