The United Kingdom’s Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has introduced a set of tougher immigration policies, aiming to curb legal immigration and tackle the growing influence of far-right political groups. This shift towards stricter immigration controls comes in response to increasing support for anti-immigration parties, especially the far-right Reform UK, which has made significant strides in recent elections. While Starmer’s move has the potential to address the rising support for the far-right, it risks alienating Labour’s core left-wing supporters, who have traditionally been more sympathetic to immigration.
Prime Minister’s Vow to “Take Back Control” of Borders
In a Downing Street press conference on May 12, 2025, Prime Minister Starmer vowed to “finally take back control” of the UK’s borders. The Labour government’s new immigration plan seeks to reduce the number of people entering the UK legally by making adjustments across various aspects of the immigration system, including work, family, and study-based immigration. The primary goal is to have more stringent control over the entry of foreign nationals, ensuring that immigration is better managed.
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Shifting Stance on Immigration: From Open Borders to Stricter Controls
Starmer’s announcement to end the “experiment in open borders” comes as the UK faces record-high net migration figures. Under the previous Conservative government, net migration reached nearly one million people, prompting criticism and demands for stronger border controls. Labour, historically more open to immigration than the Conservative Party, is now facing increasing pressure, particularly following the strong showing of the Reform UK party in recent local elections.
This change in stance on immigration from Starmer, a former human rights lawyer who had campaigned for the UK to remain in the European Union, marks a significant shift to the right. While the move aims to capture the growing right-wing sentiment, it could cost Labour the support of its traditional left-leaning base. Many of these voters, who are more open to immigration, might be tempted to shift their allegiance to other progressive parties like the Liberal Democrats or the Greens.
Key Proposals in the Immigration White Paper
One of the key elements of the new immigration strategy is the publication of the Immigration White Paper, which outlines several proposed changes. These include a reduction in the number of overseas care workers allowed to enter the UK and an increase in the length of time required for immigrants to qualify for settlement and citizenship, from five to ten years. The policy also seeks to strengthen English-language proficiency requirements for adult dependents, with all applicants needing to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
Furthermore, the new immigration policy proposes tightening student visa regulations, reducing the time international students can remain in the UK after completing their studies. The government also plans to introduce measures that would allow for the deportation of foreign nationals who commit criminal offenses in the UK. Currently, only foreign nationals who receive prison sentences are flagged for deportation. Under the new rules, any foreign national convicted of a crime would automatically be flagged to the government for deportation consideration.
New Visa Controls and Skilled Worker Requirements
The white paper also sets out new visa controls, requiring foreign skilled workers to have a university degree in order to be eligible for employment in the UK. This move is expected to restrict the influx of less-skilled workers while ensuring that only highly qualified individuals are granted work visas.
Starmer’s Acknowledgment of Migrants’ Contributions
In his remarks, Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the important contributions migrants make to the UK but argued that without stronger controls, the country risks becoming an “island of strangers.” He reiterated that the Labour government aims to significantly reduce net migration by the time of the next general election, likely to be held in 2029. However, he refrained from specifying by how much migration would decrease.
Labour’s Election Promise to Reduce Net Migration
The Labour party’s shift on immigration comes amid ongoing debates about the country’s approach to migration. In their 2024 general election manifesto, Labour promised to significantly reduce net migration, which stood at 728,000 in the 12 months leading up to June 2024. This was down from a peak of 906,000 in 2023.
The Far-Right Surge and Its Impact on Labour
Meanwhile, the far-right Reform party, led by Nigel Farage, has seen a surge in popularity. The party won over 670 local council seats and secured its first two mayoral positions in recent elections, demonstrating the growing public discontent with Labour’s immigration policies. The party continues to gain traction in national polls, leaving Labour to grapple with its position on immigration as it seeks to maintain its support base.
Conclusion: Political Gamble for Starmer
Starmer’s move to adopt a more restrictive immigration policy is a significant political gamble, with the potential to reshape the political landscape in the UK. As the country heads towards the next election, it remains to be seen whether this strategy will bolster Labour’s position or further alienate its traditional supporters.
This article is originally published on: aljazeera
