Gordon Brown on Immigration
TL;DR
Gordon Brown advocated for a managed migration system emphasizing earned citizenship, responsibilities, and stricter controls to address public concerns.
Key Points
He proposed a system of 'earned citizenship' where newcomers would pass through probationary status requiring commitment and English language proficiency before gaining full rights by 2008.
In 2018, Gordon Brown called for six specific measures on migration, including registering jobs to prioritise local applicants and a possible nine-month limit for new migrants to find employment.
He stated that cooperation in Europe was necessary to combat terrorism and manage illegal immigration, making Britain safer and more secure according to a 2018 poll he cited.
Summary
Gordon Brown positioned himself as acknowledging and addressing public anxiety surrounding immigration, stating that he "gets it" and does not dismiss concerns as mere bigotry. His core approach, particularly around 2008 and 2009, involved strengthening the concept of British citizenship by linking it to responsibilities, proposing a framework of 'earned citizenship' where newcomers would pass through probationary stages before full rights were granted. This included expectations around speaking English and contributing economically and socially to the UK.
Historically, he also called for tougher controls on migration as a necessary measure to heal divisions, particularly in the context of the Brexit vote, suggesting six-point plans that included measures like banning the advertising of UK jobs abroad before UK advertising and a possible time limit for migrants to find work. However, he later denied making a mistake by allowing too much immigration as Prime Minister, arguing figures were exaggerated and that controlling illegal immigration required EU cooperation.
Key Quotes
Immigration is … a question to be dealt with … So if people ask me, do I get it?, yes, I get it.
“And I will put the patriotic case because the Britain I know and love has made the biggest impact for good on the world, not when we have stood aloof and walked away but when we have been outward looking, internationalist and totally engaged with our neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gordon Brown has advocated for tougher controls on migration, arguing that it is an issue needing management at the heart of politics. His framework centered on managing migration through a system that emphasized the responsibilities newcomers owe to British society. He believed this approach was necessary to address public concerns about the impact of migration.
He later denied that he made a mistake by allowing too much immigration during his time as Prime Minister, suggesting figures were exaggerated. While in office, he introduced a Points Based System and proposed earned citizenship to manage the flow and integration of migrants.
Gordon Brown promoted the concept that prized citizenship should be 'earned' through rights matched with responsibilities, rather than being an automatic outcome of residence time. This included subscribing to British values and passing tests on life in the UK and English language proficiency.
Sources8
Gordon Brown calls for tougher controls on migration
Public Misled by Tough-Sounding Talk
Gordon Brown: I didn't let in too many migrants | London Evening Standard | The Standard
How Brown's Gaffe Reveals Labour's Larger Problems
Highlights of Gordon Brown's speech
Managed Migration and Earned Citizenship
Gordon Brown, Bigot-gate, and Brexit.
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.