Andy Burnham backs controversial asylum bill amid Labour dissent

The brief

Andy Burnham has backed the government’s controversial asylum changes, voting for legislation that has divided Labour MPs over plans to tighten the immigration system and reshape the appeals process. The prime minister-in-waiting and Labour MP for Makerfield supported the immigration and asylum bill at its second reading in the House of Commons on Monday evening, despite a rebellion by 14 Labour MPs. The legislation passed by 264 votes to 90. The bill is intended to reduce the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats while shifting the UK’s asylum system towards expanded “safe and legal routes”. It would tighten the application of article 8 of the European convention…