“Don’t listen to your Labour colleagues – press ahead.”
Former home secretary Alan Johnson has urged Shabana Mahmood to ignore Labour backbench opposition and continue with her proposed immigration reforms.
Johnson warned that listening to Labour MPs could damage the party, arguing that migration remains a major concern for voters.
Speaking in a Policy Exchange pamphlet, Johnson said Shabana Mahmood should continue pursuing changes despite criticism from within Labour.
He said: “Don’t listen to your Labour colleagues – press ahead.
“When you’re doing something that really needs to be done, particularly on illegal immigration, you always get a kickback.”
His comments were included in a pamphlet based on interviews with 14 former home secretaries.
The discussions covered issues including immigration, policing, crime and terrorism.
Mahmood, who serves as home secretary, is seeking significant changes to the UK’s asylum and immigration system.
One proposal would end permanent refugee status, with refugees instead receiving temporary protection subject to review.
She also wants to increase the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five years to 10 years or more.
The proposed changes could also affect people who are already living in Britain.
More than 100 Labour MPs have opposed the proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain.
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is among those who have raised concerns about the plans.
Johnson nevertheless backed Mahmood’s approach and her decision to look towards Denmark’s immigration policies.
He said Mahmood was right to take the “Danish route” and warned against allowing opposition from Labour backbenchers to influence the reforms.
Johnson also argued that immigration is a significant issue for the public.
He warned that failing to address illegal migration could increase support for Reform UK or the Conservatives.
Former home secretary Lord Baker also supported Mahmood’s approach.
He described her proposed immigration policy as tough but said he believed it was the correct approach.
The former home secretaries also backed Shabana Mahmood’s plans to take a more interventionist approach towards police chiefs.
The comments come as Mahmood faces pressure from both inside and outside the Labour Party over her plans.
The proposed reforms are expected to remain a major political issue as the government faces growing pressure over immigration, asylum and the UK’s approach to illegal migration.
