Coffee House Shots Is Labour turning blue?
Nov 20, 2025
Join journalist Isabel Hardman and trade unionist Paul Embery as they dive into Labour's latest migration policies. Hardman discusses Shabana Mahmood's controversial plan that could push the wait for settled status to 20 years, raising eyebrows about the party's direction. Embery lauds Mahmood's bold moves in light of community pressures, while warning about the challenges of implementation. Together, they explore the concept of Blue Labour, its impact on Labour's strategy, and the party's evolving relationship with working-class voters.
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Settled Status Waits Lengthened
- Labour raised the qualifying period for indefinite leave from five to ten years and up to twenty for some arrivals.
- Exceptions will shorten the wait for in-demand sectors like the NHS and for high earners.
Migration Pressure And Visual State Failure
- Paul Embery argues addressing migration was inevitable due to rising tensions in hard-pressed communities.
- He sees visual failures—hotels for migrants and small boat crossings—as representations of state failure.
Bold Announcements Face Real Obstacles
- Mahmood's announcements are bold compared with predecessors, but not guaranteed to succeed.
- Obstacles include internal party resistance, civil service, and legal challenges.
