Labour's Would-Be Leader Backs Asylum Bill, Defying Party Rebels

Andy Burnham, tipped to lead Labour next, voted for the government's Immigration and Asylum Bill on 13 July, splitting his party. Fourteen Labour MPs rebelled; the bill passed 264–90. By siding with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood over his own backbenchers, Burnham signaled he would likely keep current asylum policy—though his position could shift once he holds power.