Fahnbulleh says she backs home secretary on migration after comments to journalists

Miatta Fahnbulleh initially did not explicitly back the government's proposals The energy minister has insisted she backs Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's immigration reforms after she made what she described as a "light-hearted remark". Miatta Fahnbulleh was repeatedly asked in an interview on Wednesday whether she supported the government's plans to increase the time it takes for migrants to gain permanent UK residency, but refused to. Referring to that exchange, she joked to reporters on Thursday that she did not explicitly answer the question because she had told herself she would "never lie". In a later statement, she said: "Today I made what was meant to be a light-hearted self-deprecating remark. I didn't get it right and it hasn't come off as I intended." She added: "I fully support our home secretary and the government's position on migration reform." Permanent residence, or indefinite leave to remain, gives a person the right to live, work and study in the UK for as long as they like and apply for benefits if they are eligible. The government wants to double the time it takes most migrant workers to qualify for permanent residence from five years to 10 years, while in the case of refugees it could take 20 years. But a significant number of Labour MPs and trade unions want her to water down the proposed policy . On Wednesday, the prime minister's official spokesman said: "The home secretary is leading a thorough piece of work to make sure we get this right." Asked earlier on the same day on Sky News, whether she backed the proposed reforms, Fahnbulleh said: "We have got to reform our immigration system, and my view is that we need a system that is based on the principle of compassion, contribution." She was pressed several more times on the issue, saying the government was consulting on the proposals and would "will come out with the measures that we take forward". "As I said earlier this week, it's absolutely right that people should have to make a contribution to this country in order to earn citizenship," Fahnbulleh said. I will make final decision on Rosebank oil field, energy secretary insists Mahmood signals rethink on migrants' right to remain Mahmood to reopen scheme to resettle refugees in the UK Rayner criticises visa rule proposals ahead of Labour conference Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.