Labour’s much-anticipated plan to address the UK’s growing immigration challenges was met with skepticism last night.
Critics quickly dismissed it as “laughable,” citing the lack of a cap on migration numbers.
While Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal to cut migration is set to be unveiled in full today, many are questioning how the party plans to measure the success of these changes and whether the plan will deliver real results.
Sir Keir Starmer’s Pledge to Cut Migration
Sir Keir Starmer’s speech today is expected to focus on overhauling the UK’s immigration system.
The Labour leader has vowed that migration numbers will decrease, but this has left many wondering how exactly this will be achieved without a cap on numbers.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the plan will result in a “substantial” reduction in net migration, which reached a record high of 728,000 last year.
However, she has firmly rejected the idea of setting a cap on migration, calling it a “failed approach.”
The announcement comes less than two weeks after Reform UK’s success in the local elections, where rising public anger over immigration helped the party secure significant victories, delivering blows to Labour.
Critics Question the Plan’s Effectiveness
Despite Starmer’s promises, critics argue that the proposed changes are nothing new.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the plan “laughable,” emphasizing Labour’s reluctance to set a target for migration numbers.
He argued that the party avoided this step because they fear they would inevitably fail to meet it.
Philp also pointed out Starmer’s past opposition to deporting foreign criminals, adding fuel to the argument that Labour lacks the political will to tackle immigration effectively.
Even Prime Minister’s recent comments, in which he stated, “British workers – I’ve got your back,” were mocked by critics.
The phrase came shortly after the government raised National Insurance contributions for businesses, which many said led to job cuts and hiring freezes.
Proposals for a Tougher Immigration System
Labour’s plan, which will be revealed today, includes proposals to require migrants to live in the UK for a decade before applying for citizenship.
They will also need to demonstrate proficiency in English.
Additionally, the White Paper aims to tackle the ongoing issue of foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers using human rights laws to prevent deportation.
Ministers intend to target Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to a family life.
This provision is often used by lawyers to block deportations, even for individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Under the new proposals, the government aims to limit how judges interpret such cases.
Sector Backlash and Immigration Numbers Surge
The announcement comes amid growing concern from the care sector, which warned that a ban on recruiting foreign workers could lead to a collapse in services.
Ms. Cooper’s plan to push companies to train British workers, while also halting overseas recruitment, has raised alarms among those who rely on immigration to fill staffing gaps in critical sectors.
Meanwhile, immigration numbers continue to rise.
In 2023, the number of people claiming asylum climbed to 91,811, a figure that increased to a record 108,138 last year.
This year, more than 11,500 people have crossed the Channel in small boats, marking another record high.
A Shift in Immigration Strategy
The government’s Office for National Statistics projected that net migration will average 340,000 annually by 2028, up from previous estimates.
However, Labour has not committed to reducing migration to that level.
Yvette Cooper rejected the idea of implementing a migration cap, explaining that the government needs to focus on rebuilding trust in the system.
At a press conference today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to announce further measures to “tighten up” immigration, making it more difficult for people to migrate without meeting specific criteria.
He will state, “Migration numbers will fall,” and the system will undergo a fundamental overhaul.
Labour’s Immigration Strategy: A Reaction to Local Election Losses?
The White Paper’s announcement comes at a crucial time for Labour, following a poor showing in the local elections.
Many attribute their defeat to the party’s perceived failure to address immigration concerns, as well as their decision to cut the winter fuel allowance.
No 10 has denied that this new White Paper is a kneejerk reaction to the election results.
However, the timing has led some to question whether it is an attempt to appease voters who feel Labour has been too soft on immigration issues.
Stricter Enforcement and Greater Control
The plan also includes stronger enforcement measures.
The Home Office will be informed of any foreign nationals convicted of crimes, making it easier to deport offenders.
This move is expected to streamline the process for removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety or break the law.
Overall, today’s announcement signals a shift in how Labour plans to address immigration in the UK, with a focus on reducing numbers, tightening control, and ensuring that anyone coming to the country contributes to its society.
However, many remain skeptical about whether these measures will truly lead to lasting change.