UK Control Migration Policy
The UK Control Migration Policy today, from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s bold immigration plan for the future, is outlined in today’s white paper. Stay informed with breaking news on this comprehensive strategy shaping the nation’s future.
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to reduce net migration by the end of this parliament in a “controlled, selective and fair” immigration system.
The prime minister has not identified any particular target for the number decrease, simply saying that the numbers will decrease “significantly”.
Politics latest: Starmer announces sweeping migration crackdown
The Immigration White Paper, which will be published today, will present the implementation of stricter measures by the government before the move had been publicised: stringent English language and British citizenship regulations. A media briefing by Sir Keir followed the government’s presentation of its decision.
The prime minister said: There is a belief that controlling immigration curtails personal freedom that others believe in, unless you overlook that it is a crucial and reasonable responsibility on the part of the government to sustain economic prosperity.
For decades, this has made it confusing what the right approach should be. But I want to state absolutely: this is over now. Our new migration system will be expected to control, target, and be fair to all.
In reply to the question whether this implies net migration is going to decline, he said, “I believe it will fall dramatically before the end of this parliament” and did not give a specific estimate.
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He had declared it unwise to impose a limited number of migrants, because such efforts by past prime ministers in the last decade have not been successful.
But he pledged he would be “more aggressive and quicker” if needed, contending that recent record highs for net migration have put the theory of the economic benefits of immigration to the test.
After the UK left the EU in January 2020, net migration rose to record highs.
Net migration hit its highest point at 903,000 in the year to June 2023, but by halfway through 2024 it dropped down to 728,000. This number is, however greater than the last peak, which was 329,000 in the year to June 2015.
The government now hears demand to regulate both legal and illegal migration, with Reform UK taking off in opinion polls.
That’s The Position I Take
But Sir Keir insisted that cutting back immigration is still a belief that he has, and that there are areas of the economy that depend on skilled foreign labour, whereas home training skills should be developed.
He said: Such days as the present may see political watchers want to shift this whole debate purely to a partisan one, addressing tactical methods that can be aimed at specific types of voters or even ward off rival parties.
This is not politics or tactics – this is about doing what I think is right, fair, and true to my principles.
The government has also suggested this week raising the skills visa criteria, indicating a degree and higher pay are required.
On Sunday, the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, told Sky News that the government intended to close down the care worker visa route, which generated a furious reaction from sector representatives and unions.
Care leaders consider dependence on external workers largely attributable to the failure to attract staff at the existing pay rates.
Although the government has not laid down details on how it plans to increase domestic employment, Sir Keir reassured that the immigration white paper will focus on “skills and training”.
PM ‘changing his tone’
Matt Vickers, the Conservative shadow minister, wrote to Sky News how the employer National Insurance hike for care homes should be reduced, rather than restraining foreign workers, “it’s a low-paying job,” “we need caregivers in those homes immediately”.
Focusing on the wider government strategy, Vickers said the prime minister has “tweaked his rhetoric” by ramping up on immigration, but he thinks the policies fall short.
He’s just another Karma Chameleon, all talk and nothing else. We’ve heard what he has said before being elected; he used to advocate for freedom of movement, but this is him singing from one song and playing a different tune. ”
We are updating this breaking news report, and more information will be provided in a while.
Keep an eye on things as more comes into the picture.
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