Facing mounting pressure, UK Prime Minister keir starmer pledged on Monday to “finally take back control” of Britain’s borders. This announcement came as his government introduced new policies aimed at curbing immigration and countering the increasing support for far-right movements.
Labour leader Starmer has declared the termination of what he described as an “experiment in open borders. ” This policy contributed to a surge in net migration, reaching nearly one million individuals during the tenure of the former Conservative government, which was ousted in last year’s election.
On Monday, the government is set to present its Immigration White Paper policy document to Parliament.
Starmer emphasised that it would “finally take back control of our borders and close the book on a squalid chapter for our politics, our economy and our country,” evoking the pro-Brexit slogan that resonated during the peak of the campaign to exit the European Union.
In its general election manifesto released last year, Labour committed to a substantial reduction in net migration, which was recorded at 728,000 for the year ending last June.
He faces increased scrutiny to address the issue in light of the recent victory of the anti-immigration Reform party in local elections. Their position in the polls remains strong, while Labour faces significant challenges.
During a press conference at Downing Street, Starmer assured reporters he is committed to reducing migration, describing it as his “promise.”
The new proposals stipulate that individuals must reside in the UK for a decade before applying for settlement and citizenship, an increase from the current five-year requirement.
New regulations will enhance English language requirements, mandating that all adult dependents fully grasp the language.
“Individuals who arrive in our nation ought to embrace integration and try to learn our language,” Starmer stated.
“Every aspect of the immigration system, encompassing work, family, and study, will be tightened to enhance control,” he stated, adding that “enforcement will be more rigorous than ever.”
‘Radical’ initiative
On Sunday, Interior Minister Yvette Cooper announced that she will present a white paper to Parliament outlining plans to grant new powers to deport foreign criminals who commit offences in the UK. .
The government is notified solely about foreign nationals who are imprisoned. Typically, deportation arrangements are concentrated on individuals who have received prison sentences exceeding one year.
The interior ministry has announced that, under the new arrangements, all foreign nationals convicted of offences will be flagged to the government, which will gain broader removal powers.
“For an extended period, the system designed to return foreign criminals has proven insufficient,” stated Cooper. ” There is a pressing need for significantly elevated standards.”
Cooper stated that this “radical package of reforms” would also focus on lower-skilled immigration.
In an article for the Sunday Telegraph, she outlined plans for new visa controls to raise the threshold for skilled worker visas, a move intended to decrease the influx of lower-skilled migrants. In a significant policy shift, foreign workers seeking employment in the UK must now possess a degree to qualify for job opportunities.
Cooper announced her intention to reduce the number of visas for lower-skilled workers by 50,000 this year.
According to Downing Street, the new plans aim to fast-track high-skilled individuals, including nurses, doctors, engineers, and leaders in artificial intelligence, who adhere to regulations and contribute positively to the economy.
“For years, the existing system has incentivised businesses to recruit lower-paid workers instead of investing in the potential of our youth,” Starmer is expected to assert.
The government faces mounting pressure to curb the influx of migrants making perilous crossings of the Channel from France to England in fragile rubber dinghies. According to figures released by the British government, over 36,800 individuals undertook the journey last year.
The Missing Migrants Project reports that in 2024, 84 individuals lost their lives while attempting to cross, among them at least 14 children.
The government, led by Starmer, has reported the deportation of over 24,000 individuals lacking the right to remain in the UK since the election last July, marking the highest rate observed in eight years.
