Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure from Labour Party members to alter proposed immigration reforms. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans to require migrants to reside in the UK longer before applying for indefinite leave to remain. The process would factor in whether applicants earn a substantial salary.

Angela Rayner, former deputy prime minister, called the proposals un-British. Reports indicate Starmer may compromise on these measures. Mahmood stated she plans to proceed fully with the changes.

Mahmood also outlined intentions to deport thousands of foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers immediately after claim rejections. The policy targets individuals from countries the government deems safe. It aims to prevent appeals based on human rights laws that contribute to a large backlog.

Starmer previously expressed concern in a speech that migration could turn Britain into an island of strangers. He later regretted the remarks after comparisons to past political figures. The government acknowledges migration pressures on services and social cohesion.

In Northern Ireland, executive parties at Stormont maintain that population influx brings benefits. They avoid addressing potential societal issues from migration.