In the wake of significant local election gains by Reform UK, Sir Keir Starmer's decision to publish an immigration white paper is under scrutiny. While regulations are essential for managing migration complexities, the prime ministerâs rhetoricâdescribing Britain as an 'island of strangers'âcould inflame divisions. The article critiques the last Conservative governmentâs immigration record, highlighting the sharp rise in legal migration despite voter expectations for stricter controls, suggesting a disconnect between political promises and outcomes, contributing to economic stagnation and workforce challenges.
Legal migration in the UK skyrocketed from 224,000 in 2019 to 906,000 in 2023, defying the public's choice for reduced inward migration.
The prime minister's language around immigration, particularly references to being an 'island of strangers', risks enhancing xenophobia and social divisions.
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