U.K. Government Takes Stricter Stance on Immigration Amid Political Pressure

Facing increasing pressure from right-wing factions, Prime Minister Starmer's Labour government has unveiled plans to reduce legal immigration, tighten visa requirements, and extend residency qualifications in an effort to regain control over U.K. borders.

In response to mounting political pressure, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to tighten immigration rules, asserting that the government is "taking back control of our borders." This announcement follows significant gains made by the right-wing populist party Reform U.K. in recent municipal elections. Starmer criticized past administrations for creating an "experiment with open borders" that allowed immigration rates to soar unchecked.

The proposed immigration measures include reducing the availability of visas for lower-skilled workers, raising language proficiency requirements, and extending the period newcomers must stay in the country before qualifying for permanent residency from five years to ten. In a speech at Downing Street, Starmer emphasized that his government aims to restore order and control over immigration policies, adopting a slogan reminiscent of the pro-Brexit campaign.

These measures specifically target legal immigration and do not set hard numerical immigration targets, a departure from previous Conservative commitments that often fell short. While past Prime Minister David Cameron had vowed to reduce net migration to "tens of thousands," his government struggled to achieve that objective. Starmer's administration appears to be treading cautiously by avoiding specific immigration quotas, focusing instead on enhancing regulatory measures and tightening criteria for entry.

With public sentiment increasingly swinging towards restricting immigration, Starmer's government is attempting to navigate a politically charged landscape while addressing the demands of both constituents and party factions for stricter immigration policies.