Starmer Announces Immigration Cuts as Pressure Mounts from Right-Wing Groups

In a bold move reflecting mounting pressures from the right of his own party, Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled plans on Monday to introduce stricter immigration rules in the UK. This announcement comes in the wake of significant electoral gains made by the populist Reform U.K. party, which has pushed the issue of immigration to the forefront of British politics.

Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, criticized former administrations for what he termed an "experiment with open borders," asserting that the government is now committed to "taking back control of our borders." The proposed changes are aimed at legal immigration and will see a reduction in visas for lower-skilled workers, increased language requirements, and an extension of the residency period required for citizenship from five to ten years.

While the specifics of immigration targets remain vague—contrasting sharply with previous Conservative pledges to reduce net migration—Starmer emphasized a philosophical shift rather than a quantifiable goal. "Today this Labour government is shutting down the lab. The experiment is over," he stated during his speech from Downing Street.

Despite the Labour Party's movement toward stricter controls, the lack of concrete immigration targets continues to highlight the tension within the party and its strategy in an ever-evolving political landscape.