In a bold move to address growing concerns over immigration, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that his government will impose stricter regulations on newcomers, amidst mounting political pressure from right-wing factions. During a speech at Downing Street, Starmer blamed previous administrations for their handling of immigration, describing it as an "experiment with open borders" that has spiraled out of control.

Starmer's new immigration plans include stricter conditions on legal immigration. Key changes will see a reduction in the availability of work visas for lower-skilled workers, an increase in language proficiency requirements, and a doubling of the residency period for newcomers needing to apply for permanent status—from five years to ten.

“In taking back control of our borders, we are putting a stop to the experimentation,” Starmer declared, echoing sentiments from prior pro-Brexit rhetoric that emphasized sovereignty over immigration policies. The absence of specific numerical targets for immigration, however, marks a departure from prior Conservative pledges, like those made by former Prime Minister David Cameron, who faced criticism over unfulfilled immigration reduction promises.

The Labour Party's current strategy emerges at a time when political dynamics are shifting, particularly after recent electoral gains by the right-wing populist group, Reform UK. Starmer's administration is seeking to navigate these tensions while fulfilling the demands for stricter immigration controls, but without committing to exact quotas for yearly immigrant entries. This approach aims to strike a balance between political pressure and the complexities of immigration management.