UK Politics Live: Starmer Pledges “Take Back Control of Borders” with New Immigration Crackdown

Key Points

• Keir Starmer states that migrants must “prove their worth” to reside in the UK as part of a stringent new measure.
• What changes is Starmer introducing?
• Starmer delivers speech on migration reforms
• Farage condemns Starmer’s ‘major comeback’ against Reform UK

Starmer avoids putting number on target net migration

08:58
,
Athena Stavrou

The prime minister avoided responding to inquiries about whether net migration will decrease annually until the upcoming election, yet stated his aim is to “reduce it by the end of this parliamentary term.”

Asked if net migration would fall every year, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I’m promising it (net migration) will fall significantly, and I do want to get it down by the end of this Parliament, significantly.

“That is what this plan is intended to achieve.

“This White Paper, these plans bring it back into control, make sure it’s controlled, that it’s selective, that we decide who comes to this country, and that it is fair, and that’s what we will do.

“Significant reduction in immigration and, as I’ve indicated, if it becomes necessary to take further measures, then that’s what we will do.”

Analysis: Starmer walks a tightrope on migration

08:56

The Independent’s political correspondent



Millie Cooke reports from Downing Street:

Sir Keir Starmer is striving to balance himself carefully on the topic of immigration, performing linguistic feats as he aims to recognize the contributions immigrants have made to Britain while simultaneously convincing voters that he will “regain command” over the country’s borders.

The prime minister stated, “I will ‘never undermine’ the role migrants play in bolstering the UK’s economy,” even as he criticized sectors he believes rely excessively on inexpensive imported labor.

He highlighted the “courage” of immigrants who helped reconstruct Britain following World II, while asserting that newcomers should “pledge to integrate” into British society and vowing to “support local workers.”

The day’s address was carefully crafted to appear forceful enough to convince Reform Party supporters that he is the appropriate candidate, all while avoiding complete alignment with their political language.

Starmer reveals hesitation regarding migration statement

08:51
,
Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s political correspondent



Millie Cooke provides coverage from Downing Street:

Sir Keir Starmer hinted at his reluctance to make today’s migration statement.

The Prime Minister, addressing queries from reporters in Downing Street, requested them not to pose multiple questions simultaneously, further stating: “We need to simply… work our way through this.”

The unintentional comment elicited laughter from the press corps—though not from the prime minister—since his remarks suggested an acknowledgment that regardless of how much he attempts to adopt Reform’s talking points, immigration will remain a particularly sensitive issue for Labour.

Starmer acknowledges ‘massive contribution’ migrants make to UK

08:50
,
Athena Stavrou

As he unveils the government’s latest immigration crackdown, the prime minister did take a moment to acknowledge the positive role of migrants in the UK.

“Migration is part of Britain’s national story,” he said.

“We talked last week about the great rebuilding of this country after the war. Migrants were part of that and they make a massive contribution today. And you will never hear me denigrate that.”

He added: “But when people come to our country, they should also commit to integration, to learning our language. And our system should actively distinguish between those that do and those that don’t. I think that’s fair.”

UK faces danger of turning into ‘isolated nation of outsiders’ – Starmer

08:47

Following his insistence that the updated migration policies were not implemented due to political reasons, Sir Keir Starmer stated: “I’m taking this action because it is the correct thing to do. It is just and aligns with my beliefs.”

He continued by stating “countries rely on guidelines” and emphasized that without such occasionally “implied” principles, the UK might “end up as an isolated community of outsiders rather than a country moving forward collectively.”

Analysis: It’s hard to imagine that this announcement isn’t related to politics.

08:39
,
Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s political editor



David Maddox



reports:

Sir Keir Starmer is extensively discussing his reasons for making this statement today regarding the reduction of immigration.

He asserts that his actions are not politically motivated, but rather “because it is the morally correct choice.”

However, the timing makes it difficult to accept. Especially considering the significant defeat Reform inflicted on Labour in both the recent local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election held earlier this month.

The looming presence of Nigel Farage and his five-point lead in the polls looms ominously over Labour, casting a dark shadow across the political landscape.

Analysis: We’ve encountered the phrase “regain control” over our borders previously.

08:37
,
Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s political editor



David Maddox



reports:

Keir Starmer strides up to the podium and vows to “take back control”.

He is deliberately using the words of Boris Johnson and the Brexiteers because, as he notes, they failed to “take back control of borders”.

He points out how under the Tory Brexiteers immigration in fact quadrupled instead of came down.

So it may be that the man who tried to overturn the referendum leave vote is actually delivering on the Brexit promise.

Starmer opens by attacking Tories record on migration and Brexit

08:36
,
Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s political correspondent



Millie Cooke provides coverage from Downing Street:

The Prime Minister has initiated criticism towards the former Conservative administration’s approach to immigration and Brexit, stating that they “‘carried out a nationwide experiment with unrestricted borders in a country that opted for regulation.”

The experiment has concluded,” the prime minister cautioned, vowing to provide “exactly what you have been requesting repeatedly.

He stated, ‘We will regain control over our borders.’

Starmer giving remarks on immigration policy changes

08:33
,
Athena Stavrou

Sir Keir Starmer has started his address unveiling the government’s measures to tackle migration issues in the UK.

The Prime Minister is addressing a press conference at 10 Downing Street, with numerous cabinet members in attendance to show their backing.

The press conference will start soon.

08:30
,
Athena Stavrou

We are expecting Sir Keir Starmer will begin a press conference at Downing Street shortly.

The Independent’s
political correspondent

Millie Cooke

is at Downing Street, where members of the cabinet have also gathered in support of the prime minister.

We will be bringing you updates from Downing Street as they happen.

What are we expecting Starmer to say?

08:28

Starmer will begin a Downing Street press conference shortly, where he will unveil government reforms on UK migration.

“Every aspect of the immigration process, covering employment, reunification, and education, will be made stricter to provide us with greater control,” the Prime Minister is anticipated to state on Monday.

Compliance will be stricter than before, resulting in lower migration figures.

He will assert that the system following the reforms will be “regulated, selective, and equitable,” acknowledging “individuals who truly add value to Britain’s progress and community,” while also reinstating practicality and oversight at our borders.

Tories label government plans as ‘barmy’

08:24
,
Athena Stavrou

The Government’s plans to bring down immigration is “barmy” and will allow those who arrive in the UK illegally to become British citizens, the shadow crime and policing minister has said.

Matt Vickers told Times Radio: “Today the Government are allowing people who arrive illegally – they’re changing the law so that people arrive in this country illegally will be able to become British citizens.

“That’s barmy.

That’s a message to everyone, essentially saying ‘Come over; you might have the chance to become a British citizen now when you wouldn’t have had it before this Bill was passed.’

The cabinet has all come together to back Starmer during this crucial time regarding immigration issues.

08:16
,
Athena Stavrou

From Downing Street,
The Independent’s

Millie Cooke

reports that most of the cabinet appears to be coming to Keir Starmer’s press conference.

She spotted health secretary Wes Streeting and education secretary Bridget Phillipson walking in.

Streeting in particular is going to have to deal with the impact of losing visas for workers in the social care sector.

The message on immigration is going to be a tough one and hit a lot of sectors.

But politically it is essential to regain the initiative from Nigel Farage and Reform.Starmer clearly wants a show of force to prove he is taking this issue seriously.

Nigel Farage criticises Starmer’s ‘big fightback’ against Reform UK

08:10

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has attempted to undermine the prime minister’s migration plans, soon before they are announced.

Farage claimed: “On the day of Keir Starmer’s big fightback against Reform UK, 250 young men are already crossing the Channel by 8am”.

After Labour suffered defeat in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election at the hands of Reform MP Sarah Pochin, Starmer’s strategies were introduced. This outcome significantly strengthened Farage’s party earlier this month.

Complete report: Starmer states that immigrants must ‘prove their worth’ to reside in the UK

07:55
,
Athena Stavrou

Sir Keir Starmer

has stated that those arriving in the UK will need to “prove their worth” to remain.

Labour

unveils

sweeping reforms

designed to slash net

migration

and address the challenge presented by

Nigel Farage

and Reform.

The prime minister stated that migrants need to pledge their commitment to integration.

learning English,

As part of a drive aimed at enhancing economic expansion, ministers assert.

The Labour leader asserted this would mark a clear departure from previous policies with several modifications. These alterations consist of extending the waiting period for applying for permanent residency from five years to ten, unless applicants can demonstrate substantial contributions. Additionally, there will be a prohibition on hiring caregivers from abroad, and for the initial time, grown-up dependents must show competency in fundamental English.

My colleague

Kate Devlin

has the full story:

Starmer says migrants will have to ‘earn the right’ to live in UK in new crackdown

Labour ‘borrowed concepts’ from the Tories says Chris Philp

07:49
,
Athena Stavrou

The Labour Government has “stolen one or two ideas” on immigration from the Tories, Chris Philp said.

The shadow home secretary told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “They have certainly stolen one or two ideas, but that’s good – politics is about getting things done, and I’m pleased when our ideas get implemented.

“But taken as a whole, I don’t think from what I’ve seen so far, Keir Starmer’s announcements will go far enough because we have the view that immigration – legal migration – has been far too high in recent years.”

Plans to stop UK care home from overseas recruitment causing ‘significant problems’

07:47
,
Athena Stavrou

Government plans to get rid of care worker visas risk causing “significant problems” in the sector, a care home chain director has said.

Amy Clark, who serves as the commercial director for a care home group based in Cornwall, mentioned to the BBC’s Radio 4 Today program that these regulations might bring about difficulties since “it’s extremely hard to hire staff from within the local area.”

“The major issue we’d face is not being able to bring in any international employees, as finding local talent is extremely challenging,”Ms. Clark stated.

We consistently make efforts to hire locally. Despite raising our salaries, we still do not receive applications.

We have consistently offered wages above the minimum level, but this is getting more challenging, particularly due to rising national insurance expenses and the escalation of the statutory minimum wage. Additionally, the modest additional support provided by local governments for social care financing isn’t helping much either.

The Standalone Perspective: Why the Prime Minister Is Justified in Taking a Firm Stance on Immigration While Showing Mercy

07:40
,
Athena Stavrou

The prime minister unveiled the much-anticipated white paper on immigration, stating that every aspect of what he described as a “flawed system” would be made more stringent, marking “a fresh start from previous policies.”

He stated that enforcement would be “more rigorous than ever,” claiming that this would lead to “a decrease in migration.”

Sir Keir Starmer’s language chimed with weekend headlines about a “crackdown” – a shorthand description that surely displeased few in government, given the centrality of migration as an issue at the recent elections.

The government has a tricky balancing act when it comes to immigration. It has to serve the economy, address public disquiet and also maintain an asylum system, but Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper seem to have the right approach.

Read The Independent’s full Editorial here:

The PM is right to be tough but compassionate on immigration

Starmer to give speech this morning

07:39

Sir Keir Starmer will be holding an early morning press conference on Monday morning as he announces a government’s crackdown on immigration.

The prime minister will hold a press conference at around 8:30am.

His address will coincide with the unveiling of the Immigration White Paper on Monday.

What are the latest regulations that Starmer is introducing?

07:36
,
Athena Stavrou

Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil comprehensive new plans to overhaul the UK’s immigration system.

Below is an overview of the proposed reforms:

The prime minister stated that individuals arriving in the UK will need to “prove their worth” to remain.

– Migrants are required to pledge their commitment to integrating and learning English.

– A waiting period extended to 10 years instead of 5 before applying for permanent residency – with an exception for those who can demonstrate substantial contributions.

– A ban on recruiting care workers from overseas.

– Adult dependents will have to prove they understand basic English.

Keir Starmer says migrants will have to ‘earn the right’ to live in UK as part of new crackdown

07:29
,
Athena Stavrou

Migrants will be told they need to spend up to a decade in the UK before they can apply for citizenship and English language requirements will be increased as part of the Government’s immigration crackdown.

Sir Keir Starmer will promise to “tighten up” all elements of the system as ministers look to bring down net figures, but are facing pushback against plans to stop foreign recruitment of care workers.

The Prime Minister is expected to say that “enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall” as a result of the policies in the Immigration White Paper, set to be unveiled on Monday.