Andy Burnham under pressure to drop Keir Starmer's 'reckless migration plans' as Labour rebellion builds

The SNP is calling on Mr Burnham, who is poised to be coronated prime minister next week, to tone down the anti-immigration policies Labour has adopted in response to polls showing the party is bleeding support to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.

But Labour risks losing voters to the SNP and Greens by taking a more hostile approach to immigration.

Reform has seized on the immigration debate, particularly over irregular immigration, with Labour’s opponents accusing the party of trying to imitate Mr Farage’s party on the issue.

Ahead of the controversial Immigration and Asylum Bill returning to the House of Commons for its second reading today, Mr Burnham is already facing pressure from his own MPs for a re-think.

Reports suggest almost 80 backbench Labour MPs have signed a private letter urging him to walk back Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s controversial reforms.

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The letter is understood to have been handed to Mr Burnham, setting up a potential rebellion from his MPs before he has even entered Downing Street, and raising questions over the future of Ms Mahmood.

Dozens of Labour MPs are demanding a pause and warn they will vote against the legislation unless the proposals are watered down.

Particular concerns have been raised over plans to make most immigrants wait at least ten rather than five years for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and to apply it retrospectively to people already in the UK.

The SNP has joined calls for a pause on the immigration policies. The party has also had calls for immigration powers to be devolved to Scotland and introduce a Scottish visa route repeatedly blocked by the UK government.

READ MORE: Why Andy Burnham as PM would not be a silver bullet to take away Scottish Labour's troubles

SNP immigration spokesman Pete Wishart said: "Andy Burnham’s plans for power are still a closely guarded secret, but if he isn't prepared to face scrutiny on his own policies then at the very least he needs to scrap some of Keir Starmer’s. He should start by scrapping Starmer’s reckless migration plans.

“This Labour party policy would slash NHS and care workers from overseas and starve Scotland's economy of its valued and hugely-beneficial international workforce – it is a direct attack on Scotland’s NHS and economy.”

He added: “They risk tearing apart communities - a retrospective and vindictive change of the rules to discriminate against our neighbours and our friends who have built a home in Scotland and who enrich our nation.

“The fact that Andy Burnham is facing his first major revolt before he even enters Downing Street should show him just how reckless these plans would be – if he won't listen to stakeholders in Scotland, he should at least listen to the rebellion on his own backbenches.

“If Burnham chooses to double down on Starmer’s migration policies it will clearly show that the Labour Party is still determined to imitate Nigel Farage, and impose harmful policies it knows will damage Scotland, in a shameless attempt to woo Reform party voters in England.”

Mr Burnham’s team was approached for comment.

READ MORE: Why our immigration obsession is bringing about the ruination of Britain

The appeal comes after Reform UK’s deputy leader in Scotland warned against online misinformation fuelling demonstrations in Glasgow.

Thomas Kerr has told people taking part in disorder to “not target people” and warned they “need to be very careful about the information they get online”.

Last month, First Minister John Swinney accused Reform of “stirring up of hatred” by encouraging people to take part in disorder, supposedly over concerns about immigration.

Disorder sprung up in Cranhill and Castlemilk last week outside homes where online rumours suggested people accused of criminality were living.

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A 32-year-old man was arrested at the first protest while vandalism and a projectile being thrown from the crowd were reported at the second – which police said was as a result of “mistaken identity”, with an “innocent member of the public” being targeted.

A protest was also held in the Possilpark area of the city, sparked by what the council and police called “entirely factually incorrect” online speculation that a local care home was being extended to house asylum seekers.

A 23-year-old man was arrested for a disorder offence on Saturday, police said.

Reform UK politicians, including Mr Kerr, have previously backed people taking to the streets to demonstrate over immigration.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Sunday Show, Mr Kerr warned the public against online misinformation.

He said: “I think people need to be very careful about the information they get online.

“People have to be very careful what they listen to and why is it they’re going to protest.”

Mr Kerr added: “There’s two points here – firstly, turning up at someone’s door is wrong. Do not do that, do not target people.

“As soon as you do that, you lose all argument.

“But the second thing that we’re seeing in working class communities, particularly across Glasgow, is an anger towards a political establishment that has used communities as dumping grounds for people who’ve come here illegally – that’s how people feel, that’s how the anger exists.

“I stay in these communities, I see it first-hand myself and what I’ve always said to people is peaceful protest is the way to try and do this.

“Your voice is your power, so go out and use your voice, but do not turn to fists.”

In a statement on Sunday, a Police Scotland spokesman said: “We attended planned protest activity in the Possilpark area of Glasgow on Saturday 11 July 2026.

“We had appropriate resources in place to ensure the safety of those in attendance and mitigate disruption to the wider community.

READ MORE: John Swinney accuses Reform UK of inciting racial division in Scotland

“A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with a disorder offence and enquiries remain ongoing.

“The crowd later dispersed without further issue.”