Portrait of Keir Starmer
Politician · policy
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Keir Starmer on Immigration

Tougher controls, lower net migration (strong)

TL;DR

Keir Starmer advocates for significantly reducing net migration through stricter controls across work, family, and study visa routes.

Key Points

  • The government promises that new immigration measures will cause net migration to fall, delivering on a promise to 'take back control'.

  • Key reforms include raising skill requirements for work visas to degree level and extending the path to settled status from five to ten years.

  • The government views migration as part of Britain's story but insists settlement must be a privilege earned through contribution, while committing to compete for the best global talent.

Summary

Keir Starmer's Labour government has introduced a hardline approach to immigration, centered on taking 'back control' of the borders and significantly reducing net migration figures, which he claimed quadrupled under the previous government. His strategy, detailed in an Immigration White Paper, includes tightening requirements across all visa categories to ensure migration serves the national interest and begins to repair the social contract. Key proposed measures involve raising skill requirements for work visas to degree level, imposing English language requirements across all routes, and extending the time needed to acquire settled status from five to ten years.

This firm stance has caused internal division within the Labour Party, with some MPs voicing discomfort and accusing the policy of imitating far-right rhetoric, while others argue for adherence to international principles like the Geneva Convention. The government frames the policy as a necessary, fair, and common-sense response to public concern, which polls indicate is a highly polarized issue. The approach seeks a middle ground: curbing uncontrolled immigration while ensuring the country can still compete for top global talent in areas like science and healthcare, and tying visa access to investment in homegrown skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Keir Starmer's current position is to take firm control of the borders by implementing policies designed to significantly reduce net migration. He emphasizes a system that is controlled, selective, and fair, while still welcoming top global talent.

Yes, the hardline nature of the proposed immigration reforms has caused considerable discomfort and a degree of rebellion among many Labour Members of Parliament. Some critics argue the government is adopting rhetoric similar to the populist right.

The government's announced White Paper proposes tightening rules across work, family, and study visas. Specifics include requiring degree-level skills for work visas and extending the settlement period to ten years.