Downing Street is suddenly very coy about supporting the Home Office’s proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain. Speaking at the post-PMQs Lobby huddle of political hacks, Number 10’s political spokesman refused to back Mahmood’s plan to double the time it takes to qualify for permanent residence:
“We’re a proud, tolerant, generous country. Labour has always been the party that celebrates the contribution migrant communities have made to our national story. In the four years before the election we saw record levels of immigration. In the manifesto we promised to deliver a fair and properly managed immigration system. We are considering responses to the Home Office consultation, and will respond in line with our principles and values.”
Just last night Angela Rayner declared the plans “un-British“. No10 also said the PM “would like to see her return to the Cabinet” at some point. Looks like she’s basically the Home Secretary already…
In Henry Mance’s piece today for the FT, lunching with Nigel Farage:
“Splendido!” Farage says, when the drinks arrive; I suppose it’s a step to European reconciliation. We clink glasses, and he lights the first of two back-to-back Benson & Hedges. A few minutes later, we’re back downstairs. “Are you drinking? Good.” He orders a glass of Sauvignon blanc for each of us — not a bottle, “because it’s Lent” — followed by a bottle of claret, to have with our meal. They say Farage drinks less than he used to. They say a lot of things.”