The UK opened its arms for the migrant people, later turns into rise of net immigration to nearly One Million people. Isn’t it a large number to dominate UK citizens? Last year the Conservative Party lost general elections, and Labour Party came to power. In the general election Labour Party vowed to reduce net immigration which stood at 7,28,000 in the 12 months to last June. The number of migrants peaked at 9,06,000 in 2023. Most of the 2010s the average was 2,00,000.
On Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to “Finally Take Back Control” of Britain’s boarder. He also announced that he was ending an “Experiment in Open Borders”. UK PM Starmer said the party planned to cut net migration over the next four years, saying, UK becoming “An Island of Strangers”. He further said he wanted to reduce the net migration significantly by the next election.
What are the Curbs on Migrant Policy?
At a Downstreet Press Conference, the UK Prime Minister said,
“Every area of the immigration system, including work, family and study, will be tightened up so we have more control”.
By UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Let’s see what curbs on migrants are imposed by the UK government’s White Paper Policy:
- English Language Rules: The UK government strengthened the English Language Rule. All adults’ dependents need to demonstrate a basic understanding of English. Those applying as adult dependents of visa-holders to be extended on the basis of understanding of English.
- Stricter Rules for Student Visa: The government has reduced the stay time of students after completing their study from 2 years to 18 months.
- Care Visa Scrapped: The visa dedicated for social care workers to be scrapped.
- Stringent Work Visa: The skilled worker visas are tightened, and a mandatory university degree is required for stay.
- Duration of Residency Visa: For settlement in UK, the immigrants will have to live in UK for 10 years. Earlier it was 5 years, an increase from 5 years currently.
- New Powers to Deport Foreigners: Those foreigners who commit any offences in the country shall be deported back to their country. So far, the government is only informed of foreign nationals who receive prison sentences.
What Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said on Immigration Policy of deporting foreign national convicted of offences:
“The system for returning foreign criminals has been far too weak for too long. We need much higher standards”.
By UK Interior Minister Yvette Cooper
PM Starmer’s Stand and Local Elections
On the immigration policy, Starmer said, the policies would “finally take back control of our boarders”. The quote recalls the Pro-Brexit slogan used at the height of the campaign to leave the European Union in 2016.
UK’s Starmer, a former human rights lawyer and Remain supporter, faces growing pressure to address immigration concerns after the anti-immigration Reform party’s recent local election successes.
Arch-Eurosceptic Nigel Farage’s party sees significant gain on local council seats with more than 670 seats as well as its first two mayoral posts. It is also rising high in national polls while Labour Party is struggling.
Amidst all these, the British Prime Minister, UK Keir Starmer said:
“Make No Mistake, this Plan means Migration will Fall. That is a Promoise. If we do need to take further steps… then Mark My Words, We Will.”
By British Prime Minister, UK Keir Starmer
The supporters of Starmer’s are liberal and the shift to the right of immigration could cost the party. The Labour liberal supports might vote for Liberal Democrats or Greens. Starmer acknowledged that the role of migrants in Britain Economy is massive. But he also alleged that it risks country in becoming an “Island of Strangers” without controls.
Final Thought
European countries are making massive shift in their thought perspective on Immigrants. After Trump’s win in the election and became President of US, he deports illegal immigrants and blamed them for the crime in country. If we look at the crime rate of countries who welcomed immigrants are significantly increased in due course of time. According to me the decision taken by the UK Prime Minister is significant and his action can save Britan from becoming an “Island of Strangers”. What’s your thought on this?
Note: Image Credit: Google