Labour’s Immigration Crackdown Slammed for No Cap on Migrant Numbers
Labour’s long-anticipated immigration policy faces fierce criticism before its full reveal today. The party’s refusal to set a firm cap on migrant numbers has sparked accusations of being downright “laughable.”
Starmer Promises Tougher Rules But No Hard Limits
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vows migration “will fall” under a sweeping overhaul that demands new arrivals “earn the right to stay.” Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged a “substantial drop” from last year’s record 728,000 net migration but stopped short of imposing a cap, calling such limits a “failed approach.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp blasted: “Labour won’t set a 1 because they know they’d blow it. When it comes to immigration, Starmer doesn’t back workers – he backs down.”
No Cap, No Credibility? Reform UK Capitalises
Critics say Labour’s refusal to enforce a strict migrant cap is politically costly. Reform UK scored big exploiting public frustration in recent local elections, dealing Labour a harsh blow.
Starmer is set to launch the Immigration White Paper today, promising a radical break from the past:
“Settlement in this country will be a privilege, not a right.”
The plan’s key points include:
- Ten-year residency requirement before citizenship applications
- Mandatory English language proficiency
- Legal reforms to crack down on failed asylum seekers and criminals dodging deportation using Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
Care Sector Warns Crackdown Could Backfire
While urging firms to train British workers instead of hiring from abroad, critics warn this could hit vital services like social care hard.
Asylum claims hit a record 108,138 in 2024. Over 11,500 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year. Meanwhile, the Office for National Statistics predicts net migration will stay above 340,000 annually from 2028 — way beyond Labour’s suggested target.
Yvette Cooper defended the plan on Sky News: “We’re not going to take that really failed approach with a cap. We need to rebuild trust in the system.”
Public and Political Backlash
Starmer’s tweet pledging “British workers – I’ve got your back” was ridiculed online. Critics pointed out last month’s National Insurance hike for businesses, calling it out of step with his promises.
Labour insists the crackdown isn’t a kneejerk reaction to poor election results but a long-planned policy.
