Burnham urged to tackle immigration at Labour conference, says Harman

Harriet Harman presses Andy Burnham on immigration

Senior Labour figure Harriet Harman has publicly stated that Andy Burnham, the party’s mayor of Greater Manchester, "absolutely has to" speak about immigration at the Labour Party’s annual conference next week. The comment underscores the growing pressure on the party’s leadership to clarify its stance ahead of a general election.

Political context of the Labour conference

The Labour conference, held each autumn, serves as a platform for the party to set policy direction, rally supporters and showcase the leader’s vision. This year, the gathering is taking place against a backdrop of heightened public debate over migration, border control and the rights of asylum seekers.

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that net migration to the United Kingdom has remained above the government’s target for several consecutive years. The figures have become a frequent talking point in parliamentary sessions and media coverage.

Why immigration is a key issue for Labour

Immigration touches on several core concerns for Labour voters:

Economic impact – debates over whether migrants fill skill gaps or compete for jobs.
Public services – pressure on health, education and housing.
Community cohesion – integration and social harmony.

Labour’s traditional position has been to champion the rights of migrants while also calling for a fair and orderly system. The party’s 2024 manifesto draft suggests a “balanced approach” that protects both workers and newcomers, but critics argue the language is vague.

Potential policy directions Burnham could outline

If Burnham follows Harman’s urging, his speech may include concrete proposals such as:

Reforming the points‑based system to prioritize sectors with acute shortages.
Introducing a transparent pathway to citizenship for long‑term residents.
Investing in local integration services, including language training and community hubs.
Strengthening cooperation with European partners on asylum processing.
Ensuring that immigration policy aligns with climate‑related migration challenges.

Each point would need to be backed by evidence, and the Labour Party’s policy unit has already consulted experts from universities and think tanks on these topics.

Reactions from party members and the public

Within Labour, opinions vary. Some MPs argue that a strong immigration stance could win back voters in former industrial heartlands, while others warn that a hard line might alienate the party’s diverse base.

Grassroots activists have taken to social media, using hashtags such as #BurnhamImmigration and #HarmanSpeakUp to demand clarity. A poll conducted by the BBC earlier this month indicated that 48% of Labour supporters consider immigration a “very important” issue when deciding their vote.

What the speech could mean for the next election

A clear immigration policy could serve several strategic purposes for Labour:

It may neutralise attacks from rival parties that accuse Labour of lax border control.
It could attract swing voters in constituencies where migration has been a local concern.
It offers an opportunity to showcase Labour’s commitment to human rights while addressing economic realities.

However, missteps could also backfire. Overly restrictive language might be portrayed as xenophobic, while an overly permissive stance could reinforce narratives of “open borders”. The balance will be crucial.

Historical perspective on Labour and immigration

Labour’s relationship with immigration policy has evolved over decades. In the 1990s, the party supported more open borders, reflecting its broader commitment to multiculturalism. The early 2000s saw a shift towards tighter controls in response to public sentiment after high‑profile incidents.

More recently, the party’s 2019 platform called for a “humane and fair” system, but internal divisions persisted. The current debate echoes those past tensions, suggesting that any new direction will be scrutinised both within the party and by the electorate.

External perspectives on the issue

International bodies such as the United Nations continue to stress the need for coordinated migration policies that protect human rights. Academic research from the London School of Economics highlights that well‑designed migration frameworks can boost economic growth without overwhelming public services.

These insights may inform Burnham’s speech, offering a blend of moral responsibility and pragmatic governance.

As the Labour conference draws near, the spotlight on immigration will intensify. Harriet Harman’s call places the issue at the centre of the party’s narrative, and Andy Burnham’s response could shape Labour’s electoral prospects for years to come.