UK Prime Minister Unveils Tougher Immigration Policies Amid Rising Populist Support
In a significant shift in immigration policy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that the country will enforce stricter requirements for legal migrants, including extending the wait time for newcomers to claim citizenship from five to ten years. This decision comes as Starmer faces growing political pressure from the resurgent populist right, notably Nigel Farage's Reform UK party, which has gained traction with its anti-immigration stance.
Starmer stated that these changes are essential to address the rising numbers of legal migrants entering the UK, emphasizing that migration levels must fall and vowing an end to what he described as a 'one-nation experiment in open borders.' He criticized the previous Conservative government's handling of migration, claiming their policies have caused incalculable damage to the country.
This announcement coincides with the release of a long-awaited white paper on migration, strategically timed just weeks after local elections that saw significant gains for Farage's party. Addressing the concerns about integration, Starmer warned that without firm reforms, Britain could become 'an island of strangers.'
Recent government statistics show that more than 700,000 more individuals entered the UK legally than departed in the year leading up to June 2024, marking a notable increase that neither major political party had anticipated. This surge has amplified housing demands and strained public services, even as it has allowed for the recruitment of foreign workers to support the overstretched healthcare sector.
While the proposed rules aim to tighten immigration controls, they also seek to balance the need for skilled labor. The new policy stipulates that the path to citizenship will now take a decade, although migrants who significantly contribute to society, such as healthcare professionals and engineers, may be eligible for expedited processing.
Additionally, the requirements for English language proficiency will increase, and international graduates will see their post-study work visa period cut from two years to 18 months.
In a controversial move, the government will also end the overseas recruitment of social care workers, a decision that could disrupt a sector struggling to adapt and modernize. Farage responded to Starmer's announcement, labeling him a 'hypocrite' who still believes in open borders despite the new restrictions.
With his proposal, Starmer is aiming to mitigate the growing influence of far-right parties, which threaten to siphon votes from both Labour and Conservative parties. Simultaneously, he has intensified his party's rhetoric regarding illegal migration, though the number of individuals crossing the English Channel in small boats has increased this year compared to 2024, further complicating the political landscape.
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