Minister says he ‘won’t be intimidated’ by home secretary as public row escalates

Shabana Mahmood demanded the sacking of migration minister Mike Tapp on Thursday, June 26, 2026, following his unauthorized publication of an article in The Times. Tapp's article advocated for exempting overseas care workers from recent changes to immigration rules. In response to Mahmood's demand, Tapp stated he "won't be intimidated," indicating a significant public dispute between the two ministers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not yet dismissed Tapp, despite the apparent breach of ministerial conduct rules. The row highlights internal disagreements within the government regarding immigration policy, particularly concerning the care sector's reliance on foreign labor. Mahmood's stance suggests a firm approach to maintaining government messaging discipline, while Tapp's defiance points to potential divisions on the merits of the new immigration regulations.