Downing Street has defended the Home Office’s earned settlement consultation after it emerged that just 18% of individual respondents were British citizens, while 73% were visa holders. The consultation that supposedly informed Mahmood’s decision to water down her reforms…
Asked whether ministers had followed the wishes of migrants over Brits, the PM’s spokesman told Lobby hacks: “It’s fair that those who are most affected by the policy are able to share their views…”
He insisted it was “a genuine consultation” and claimed a majority of respondents backed “quicker settlement for those who contribute” and longer waits for illegal arrivals. One hack pointed out it was like asking prisoners if they’d like to be released earlier…
Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked John Healey: “Just finally, I mean Andy Burnham has been very clear he wants Britain back in the European Union in his lifetime. Do you?”
The Chancellor replied: “I’m older than Andy Burnham. I don’t expect to see that.”