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Starmer proposes fair and controlled migration system to lower net migration

10:33

Sir Keir Starmer has committed to reducing net migration by the end of this parliament through a system that is "controlled, selective, and fair." While he refrained from specifying an exact target, the Prime Minister emphasized that migration figures would decrease "substantially."

In a recent press conference, Starmer outlined new plans to curb migration, including stricter English language and British citizenship requirements. These changes are part of an Immigration White Paper to be unveiled soon. He emphasized that controlling immigration is not about restricting natural freedoms, but a necessary government responsibility to ensure economic balance.

Starmer noted that the previous methods of capping migration had proven ineffective and vowed to go "further and faster" if required. The surge in net migration since the UK’s exit from the EU in January 2020, which peaked at 903,000 in mid-2023 before slightly decreasing, remains a central issue for the government.

The government faces mounting pressure to address both legal and illegal immigration, especially in light of Reform UK's growing influence in the polls. Starmer stressed that his stance on migration reduction is driven by fairness, not political strategy. He criticized the economy’s reliance on cheap foreign labor instead of investing in local skills development.

Additionally, the government has proposed raising the threshold for skill-based visas, requiring higher qualifications and salaries, and plans to close the care worker visa route, which has sparked backlash due to the reliance on foreign workers in the sector. Sir Keir assured that the upcoming white paper would address skills and training, aiming to strengthen the domestic workforce.

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