Mahmood’s migration changes may harm women and children, Labour MP warns

Olivia Bailey calls on home secretary to exclude children from tougher trafficking tests, and to make allowances for domestic abuse victims

Shabana Mahmood’s changes to the migration system could harm women and children, a Labour MP has warned, as members of her own party continue to raise concerns with the home secretary’s proposals.

Olivia Bailey, the chair of the women and equalities committee, has written to Mahmood warning about the possible damage that could be done by plans to make it harder for migrants to achieve settled status in the UK.

Mahmood has said the changes are designed to deter both economic migrants and asylum seekers from coming to the UK, and to minimise the impact on British taxpayers of those who are already here.