16 h. ago There’s only one problem with Labour’s immigration plans: they’re completely untethered from reality | Jonathan Portes

The government’s new policy will take us back to an uglier, more dangerous place – and it’s not even supported by the dataHow do you reduce immigration while at the same time boosting growth? Labour’s recent immigration white paper sets out a supposedly clear answer. Since the recent “surge” in immigration was driven by the system shifting away from “higher-skilled migration”, it has “distorted the labour market” and undermined the UK’s productivity and GDP.This argument, which has been made in increasingly shrill tones by the rightwing press and thinktanks over the past two years, was echoed by the prime minister, Keir Starmer, who tweeted that “the Tories ran an immigration system that relied on cheap foreign labour”. It sounds plausible. There’s just one problem. It doesn’t fit the facts, and the government knows it.Jonathan Portes is professor of economics and public policy at King’s College London and a former senior civil servant Continue reading...

Politics

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The shadow justice minister also hit out at so-called 'white flight' in a series of interviews after Labour unveiled new plans to control immigration.

Events

38 h. ago Nurses, universities and some Labour MPs criticise Government's new immigration rules

The GMB union said plans to scrap care visas could be ‘catastrophic’ for the sector

Politics

46 h. ago Panicking Starmer admits mass immigration risks making Britain an 'island of strangers' as he tries to head off Reform surge

Keir Starmer deployed the Brexit slogan at a press conference in Downing Street as he pledged to end the 'betrayal' of Britain's reliance on cheap foreign labour.

Events

47 h. ago Will this REALLY get immigration under control? Labour's plan says arrivals must be degree educated, have fluent English and wait 10 years for citizenship but NO cap on numbers

Keir Starmer is pledging to end the 'betrayal' of Britain's reliance on cheap foreign labour, hiking skills thresholds and toughening rules on fluency in English.

Science

67 h. ago 'Absolute folly': John Swinney slams plans to overhaul immigration and axe care worker visas

The Labour UK government is to set out its plans on immigration, including ending care worker visas and reducing low-skilled visas.

Economics

5 d. ago RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: Labour's 'new' migrant policy is just another ludicrous gimmick to divert attention from Starmer's failure... just read the small print

Just as well I'm not an immigrant, or I'd be on the first plane out. Under Labour 's latest gimmick, anyone coming to work in the UK will have to attain a command of English to A-level standard.

Events

5 d. ago Migrants ‘must speak fluent English’ to work in UK under Labour’s latest immigration crackdown

Plans setting out Labour’s immigration reforms are expected next week

Events