Keir Starmer scrambles to deny migration U-turn rumours amid left-wing fury

Sir Keir Starmer has touted yet another u-turn after coming under fire from Angela Rayner.

The Prime Minister's spokesman has refused to confirm if the Government would go ahead with Shabana Mahmood's plans to increase the time it takes for migrants already in the UK to qualify for permanent settlement.

Ms Rayner, in a speech at an event held by campaign group Mainstream, said the Home Secretary's planned changes to indefinite leave to remain for people already living in the UK would be a "breach of trust".

Downing Street appeared to signal an openness to watering down Ms Mahmood’s plans on Wednesday, defending efforts to make the immigration system “fair” while declining to get ahead of a consultation on the measures.

But in a later statement, a Government spokesman doubled down on the plans, saying: "The Government’s position has not changed.

"We will always welcome those that come to this country and contribute to our national life. But the privilege of living here forever should be earned, not automatic.

"But between 2021 and 2024, this country experienced levels of migration it had historically seen over four decades. We must be honest about the scale and impact of hundreds of thousands of low-skilled migrants getting settlement."

Sources played down reports of concessions, telling The Telegraph the rumours were "untrue".

Sir Keir Starmer's party is currently under pressure from both the left and right, with Labour expected to lose seats across the country to Nigel Farage's Reform UK and Zack Polanski's Greens.

Ms Rayner has since been widely seen as a potential successor to Sir Keir amid rumblings of a leadership challenge, as both Labour’s poll ratings and the Prime Minister’s personal approval ratings flounder.

Yesterday, the former Deputy Prime Minister was backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who said: “The party would do well to listen to what Angela has got to say.”

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Here's what's happening today in Westminster and beyond

Good Morning, and happy Thursday from all of us on the GB News Politics team. Here's what's happening today in Westminster and beyond.

The UK's unemployment rate has just been announced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Our money reporter Patrick O'Donnell has the full story here.

Ministers will be looking to the Middle East as Israel and the US strikes on Iran ramp up. Overnight, Tehran hit the Qatari Ras Laffan liquified natural gas plant in retaliation for the strike on its own gas field.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves will be answering questions in the Commons from 10am about the importance of international law to Britain’s positioning on the conflict.

There is also set to be a general debate on progress in tackling climate change led by Labour MP for Basingstoke Luke Murphy and a debate on a motion on tackling online harms led by Lib Dem MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire Ian Sollom.

All eyes will be on Kent as the chief scientific officer of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said the number of confirmed cases of meningitis in the outbreak is likely to increase.

Meanwhile, Reform UK is launching its Scottish manifesto with the party's leader north of the border Malcolm Offord holding a press conference alongside Nigel Farage. We' will bring you the updates here from noon.

Here on GB News, we'll be joined by Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham and Conservative Party Chair Kevin Hollinrake.