Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing a major political test over immigration as the UK government prepares for a challenging autumn.

The new Labour government is under growing pressure to demonstrate that it can deliver a fair and controlled immigration system, with settlement rules, asylum and migrant crossings expected to remain among the most politically sensitive issues.

Recent reports indicate that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is considering tougher conditions for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain, including a longer route to settlement. The proposals could affect a large number of migrants and are likely to generate debate inside and outside Parliament.

The issue comes as Burnham enters a crucial period of his premiership. His government has so far focused heavily on practical issues such as the cost of living, homelessness and regional growth, but the coming months are expected to bring much harder decisions on immigration, welfare, public spending and the economy.

With MPs returning to Westminster on 1 September, political pressure is expected to intensify as opposition parties seek to challenge the government's record and Labour prepares for its first major political tests under Burnham.

The immigration debate could therefore become one of the defining issues of the UK's autumn political agenda.