Starmer’s immigration reset signals new direction for Britain

In the aftermath of Labour’s recent conference in Liverpool, Keir Starmer’s first as Prime Minister, a new immigration strategy has emerged that promises to reshape Britain’s. Starmer’s plan, while building on some policies of his predecessors, introduces significant changes that reflect a nuanced understanding of the complex challenges facing post-Brexit Britain. This strategy represents a calculated effort to balance economic imperatives with political realities, positioning the Labour Party capable of tough decisions while maintaining a progressive outlook.

The unveiling of this strategy marks a decisive moment in Starmer’s leadership. By adopting a more centrist approach, Starmer is attempting to bridge the divide between Labour’s traditional working-class base and its urban, pro-European supporters. This delicate balancing act is not without risks, as it could potentially alienate some factions of Labour. However, it demonstrates Starmer’s willingness to make difficult choices in pursuit of a broader electoral coalition.

At the heart of Labour’s new immigration policy lies a recognition of the changed political landscape post-Brexit. Starmer, understands that the party must adapt to the realities of a Britain outside the European Union. Labour is attempting to craft an approach that addresses public concerns about immigration levels without sacrificing economic growth. This strategy, if successful, could redefine the parameters of the immigration debate in Britain, moving beyond the binary choices of ‘open’ or ‘closed’ borders to a more sophisticated, tailored approach.

A Delicate Balance

Starmer’s immigration strategy retains several stringent measures introduced by the previous Conservative government, including the increased salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas and restrictions on dependents for overseas care workers.

This continuity signals Labour’s recognition of public concerns about immigration levels and its determination to shed the party’s image of being soft on border control. However, it would be a mistake to view this as mere political posturing. Starmer’s approach demonstrates a pragmatic understanding of the economic realities faced by UK businesses in a post-Brexit landscape.

The retention of these policies serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it addresses the concerns of Labour’s traditional working-class base, many of whom voted for Brexit and have expressed anxieties about the impact of immigration on jobs and public services.

Secondly, it sends a clear message to the business community that Labour understands the need for a controlled and stable immigration system to support economic growth. This balancing act is a testament to Starmer’s political acumen, as he attempts to bridge the divide between Labour’s various constituencies.

However, Starmer’s strategy is not merely a continuation of Conservative policies. The decision to pause the minimum income requirement for 5-year partner visas at £29,000, pending a review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), demonstrates a more nuanced approach to family immigration. This move acknowledges the human aspect of immigration policy, recognizing that overly restrictive measures can have significant social and economic consequences.

Tailoring Policy to Economic Realities

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of Starmer’s immigration strategy is its sector-specific focus. By commissioning the MAC to conduct reviews of key sectors’ reliance on international recruitment, starting with IT and engineering, Labour is signalling a more sophisticated understanding of the UK’s diverse economic landscape. This targeted approach allows for a nuanced policy that can adapt to the varying needs of different industries, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution.

This sector-specific strategy is particularly astute in addressing the challenges faced by the UK’s tech industry. The IT sector has long relied on international talent to fill skills gaps, and a blanket restriction on immigration could severely hamper its growth and competitiveness. By focusing on this sector first, Starmer is acknowledging its importance to the UK economy while also signalling his commitment to developing domestic talent in high-skill areas.

The healthcare sector, another critical area of the UK economy, also stands to benefit from this nuanced approach. While care workers are exempt from the increased Skilled Worker salary threshold, the restrictions on dependents could potentially make the UK a less attractive destination for international healthcare professionals. By commissioning sector-specific reviews, Starmer’s government has the flexibility to adjust policies if they prove detrimental to the NHS’s ability to recruit necessary staff.

However, this sector-specific approach is not without its challenges. It requires a nimble and well-informed bureaucracy capable of responding quickly to changing economic conditions. The success of this strategy will depend heavily on the effectiveness of the MAC and its ability to provide timely and accurate advice. Moreover, there’s a risk that this approach could lead to a patchwork of policies that may be difficult for businesses and potential immigrants to navigate.

Overlooked Pillars of Immigration Policy

While much of the focus on Starmer’s immigration strategy has been on entry requirements and sector-specific policies, it’s crucial not to overlook the emphasis on enforcement and integration. The pledge to introduce harsher penalties for employers who fail to comply with fair employment practices, including lengthening ineligibility periods for obtaining a sponsor licence, is a significant step towards preventing exploitation and ensuring that immigration policies are not used to undercut domestic workers.

This focus on enforcement serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it addresses concerns about illegal immigration and the exploitation of migrant workers, issues that have fueled anti-immigration sentiment in some quarters. Secondly, it sends a message to British workers that the government is committed to protecting their rights and preventing unfair competition from exploited migrant labour. This approach could help to allay fears about immigration’s impact on wages and working conditions, potentially softening opposition to necessary levels of economic migration.

However, enforcement alone is not enough. The success of any immigration policy ultimately depends on effective integration of those who do come to live and work in the UK. While Starmer’s strategy doesn’t explicitly outline integration policies, this is an area where Labour has traditionally excelled and where they could differentiate themselves from their predecessors.

A comprehensive integration strategy, focusing on language acquisition, civic participation, and community cohesion, could complement the more restrictive immigration policies and help to build public support for necessary levels of migration.

Starmer’s immigration strategy represents a significant evolution. By combining elements of continuity with innovative, sector-specific policies and a renewed focus on enforcement, he has crafted a nuanced plan that attempts to balance economic needs, public sentiment, and international obligations. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of implementation and potential short-term economic impacts, this strategy demonstrates Starmer’s political acumen and his ability to navigate the complex post-Brexit landscape.

The success of this approach will ultimately depend on its execution and the government’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances. However, by presenting a more pragmatic and nuanced vision for immigration policy, Starmer has positioned Labour as a party capable of serious governance. As Britain continues to grapple with its place in the post-Brexit world, this strategy may well prove to be a defining element of Starmer’s premiership, shaping the UK’s economic and social landscape for years to come.

Ashraf Nehal is a postgraduate scholar of South Asian Geopolitics, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London