UK politics latest: Burnham backs controversial asylum reforms amid Labour rebellion

Andy Burnham has backed controversial reforms to the asylum system ahead of his coronation as prime minister next week.The Makerfield MP, who is expected to take on the premiership next week, voted in favour of Shabana Mahmood’s plans, which aim to cut the number of small boat crossings and instead direct people to alternative “safe and legal routes”.They also include new tighter rules on how Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights will be applied, which the Home Office hopes will cut the number of asylum appeals being granted.The Immigration and Asylum Bill passed its second reading by 264 votes to 90, giving a majority of 174, but saw 14 Labour MPs rebel as a number of backbenchers criticised the legislation.Mr Burnham will become prime minister on Monday when Sir Keir Starm