Labour-aligned think tank calls on Keir Starmer to establish UK immigration goals

Keir Starmer’s Labour government may soon face pressure to adopt a formal immigration target, following a proposal from Labour Together – a think-tank closely aligned with Starmer’s administration.

The recommendation suggests that the UK should implement long-term, numerical targets for immigration, incorporating “sub-targets” for specific visa routes and an emergency brake mechanism to manage surges.

The proposal comes in response to a record 906,000 legal migrants entering the UK in the year leading up to June 2023, demonstrating a sharp post-pandemic surge in migration flows. This contrasts with the reported pre-Brexit figures, which averaged 200,000 to 300,000 annually – three times less than the current figures. While Starmer has avoided setting numerical targets as part of his six key policy milestones, Labour Together argues that clear, credible limits are essential. They propose a model inspired by countries such as Australia, where systems are in place to forecast migration flows, set numbers for specific visa categories and allow for an emergency brake should numbers look to exceed the total migration target; this includes further Parliamentary debates and options for tightening specific visa routes.

Despite political hesitancy around hard caps, the proposal signals a shift that would account for labour shortages, housing demand and strain on infrastructure while addressing humanitarian commitments. However, this approach has raised concerns about its economic impact, as experts suggest that rigid caps could harm industries reliant on migration.

As the debate continues, this proposed strategy could represent a significant shift in migration policy. With the political landscape evolving, this model invites policymakers and the public to confront the complex trade-offs of migration planning.

Conclusion

The proposal for long-term numerical targets, combined with sub-targets and an emergency brake mechanism, underscores the growing demand for a structured approach to managing migration in the UK. As the country faces record-high migration figures, the introduction of such a framework reflects an effort to address the economic, social and infrastructural pressures that accompany these trends.

However, as with any policy of this magnitude, the proposal raises important questions about its practical implications. Striking the right balance between economic growth, labour market needs and humanitarian obligations will be critical. Rigid caps on skilled workers or students, for instance, could risk undermining key sectors that depend heavily on migration.

As discussions around this strategy continue, it remains to be seen how policymakers will reconcile these competing priorities. Gherson will continue to monitor developments in this space and provide updates on any changes that may affect individuals and businesses navigating the UK immigration system.

Updated: 19 December 2024

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