UK PM announces plan to reduce migration, tighten citizenship rules | Check Details
PTC Web Desk: In a landmark announcement set to reshape the United Kingdom’s immigration landscape, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to significantly reduce net migration by the end of the current parliamentary term. The move comes as part of his broader strategy to address economic stagnation and reform long-standing policies on migration and skills development.
Addressing a press conference in London, PM Starmer challenged the long-held belief that higher immigration leads to greater economic growth. “The theory that higher migration numbers lead to growth has been tested in the last four years,” Starmer stated. “That link doesn’t hold, based on the evidence.”
This is the first major immigration overhaul introduced in years and marks a clear departure from previous administrations. As part of the new policy, migrants seeking British citizenship will now be required to live in the UK for twice as long before they are eligible to apply, signaling a more stringent path to naturalisation.
Starmer emphasised that the reforms are not only about reducing numbers but also about addressing Britain’s underinvestment in skills and workforce development. “This is not just a white paper on immigration,” he said. “It is a white paper that leads to skills and training—focusing on the long-term economic health of the country.”
Although he did not confirm whether net migration will decrease each year leading up to the next general election, he affirmed that it would fall before the end of the current parliament.
The Prime Minister also made it clear that while migration numbers would be reduced, there will be no fixed cap on how many people can move to the UK, offering a potential opening for skilled migrants and students.
In a controversial moment during his speech, Starmer explained the intent behind tightening immigration rules: to prevent the UK from becoming “an island of strangers.” He described the new measures as "a strategy absolutely essential to my plan for change," aiming to "finally take back control of our borders."
This phrase has ignited criticism from humanitarian groups and sparked comparisons with far-right rhetoric. The refugee charity Care4Calais strongly condemned the language used by the Prime Minister.
Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, said, “This is dangerous language for any Prime Minister to use. Has Starmer forgotten last year’s far-right riots?” He further warned that “shameful language like this will only inflame the fire of the far-right and risks further race riots that endanger survivors of horrors such as war, torture, and modern slavery.”
Smith has called for a public apology from the Prime Minister.
Starmer did not shy away from criticising the previous Conservative-led administration, pointing out that between 2019 and 2023, net migration quadrupled despite promises to reduce it. “Even as they were going around the country telling people with a straight face that they would bring immigration down, the numbers soared,” he noted.
He also referred to the Brexit-era slogan "take back control", stating, “Everyone knows what it meant on immigration,” signaling his intention to align his policies with public expectations post-Brexit.
- With inputs from agencies
