Andy Burnham must back Home Secretary's migration crackdown or face ruin

Andy Burnham is facing crucial tests on immigration and welfare reform. It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of his Government will hinge on the outcome. On immigration, he must stand with his Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood in her heroic drive to extend the time that foreign nationals have to wait before they can be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). At present, the waiting period is just five years, and once ILR is given, the recipient is entitled to the full array of welfare benefits. Mahmood justifiably feels that these generous conditions act as a draw for freeloaders, so she wants to raise the waiting time to 15 years. Her proposal has provoked outrage in her party, and one of her Cabinet colleagues, Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has openly condemned Mahmood’s policy. But that makes it all the more important that Burnham backs his embattled Home Secretary to the hilt.