Keir Starmer's Government Unveils New Immigration Policies to Take Back Control of UK's Borders
On May 12, Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a bold promise to the British public: to reclaim control of the nation's borders. This announcement came as his government laid out new immigration policies aimed at significantly reducing immigration levels while responding to an increase in support for hard-right political movements.
Starmer's declaration signifies the end of an era of open borders, during which net migration skyrocketed to nearly one million people under the previous Conservative government, which lost last year's election. The government's Immigration White Paper, a comprehensive policy document, was set to be presented to Parliament later that same day. Starmer expressed his commitment with a call to "take back control of our borders," invoking the pro-Brexit mantra that resonated with many voters during the campaign to leave the European Union.
The need for reform has grown more urgent for Starmer amidst rising tensions from the anti-immigration Reform party's recent successes in local elections, which pose a growing threat to Labour's political stability. The Labour leader reasserted that under his leadership, migration figures would decline, amidst a growing national concern that immigration levels were too high.
The proposed immigration changes include extending the time required for individuals to qualify for settlement and citizenship from five years to ten years. Furthermore, English language requirements will be tightened, mandating that all adult dependents demonstrate a basic grasp of English. "When people come to our country, they should also commit to integration and to learning our language," Starmer emphasized during a press conference at Downing Street.
In addition, the government's reforms will encompass every aspect of the immigration system—work, family, and education. Stricter enforcement measures are expected, ensuring that immigration can be more effectively monitored and controlled. Interior Minister Yvette Cooper, who will present the White Paper to Parliament, mentioned that the plans would introduce new powers to deport foreign criminals. Currently, the government is only notified of foreign nationals who face prison sentences of over one year. Under the new arrangements, all convicted foreign nationals will be flagged, allowing for broader deportation powers.
Cooper criticized the previous systems in place for returning foreign criminals, stating they had been "far too weak for too long" and underscored the need for higher standards. The proposed reforms are described as 'radical' and aim to tighten regulations surrounding lower-skilled migration significantly. Specifically, the new plans will increase the threshold for skilled worker visas, effectively restricting access to lower-skilled workers while simultaneously ensuring that high-skilled individuals, such as healthcare professionals and engineers, can be fast-tracked into the UK workforce. Starmer remarked, "For years we have had a system that encourages businesses to bring in lower-paid workers rather than invest in our young people."
Moreover, Starmer’s government faces mounting pressure to address the rising number of migrants crossing the English Channel from France in unsafe boats. Official statistics reveal that more than 36,800 individuals made the treacherous journey last year, and tragically, the Missing Migrants Project reported 84 deaths during such crossings in 2024, including at least 14 children. Notably, Starmer's administration stated it has deported over 24,000 individuals without the right to remain in the UK since last July—a record high in eight years.
As these changes unfold, the debate over immigration in the UK is poised to intensify, raising pivotal questions about national identity, economic needs, and humanitarian responsibilities.
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