Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to sharply reduce net migration to the UK over the next four years, citing the need to protect social cohesion and boost local workforce investment. The announcement follows rising support for Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party.
While Starmer avoided setting specific targets, he promised action by the end of the current parliament in 2029. “If more needs to be done to ease pressure on housing and public services, we will act,” he said at a press conference.
New policies include stricter skilled visa requirements—limited to graduates—ending overseas recruitment for the care sector, raising English language standards for adult dependents, and delaying citizenship eligibility from five to ten years. High-demand professions like doctors and AI experts would be fast-tracked.
Starmer acknowledged concerns from businesses, especially in healthcare and technology, but argued that high immigration hasn't led to stronger economic growth.
Net migration reached a record 906,000 in the year to June 2023—up from 184,000 in 2019. Though EU migration dropped post-Brexit, arrivals from other countries surged, driven by student visas and humanitarian programs.
Critics warn that tighter immigration rules could harm business, while supporters say urgent action is needed to manage population growth and service demands.