World Immigration News

The Guardian view on Labour and immigration debate: time to change the frame

Release Date: 2025-05-08
Media: The Guardian
Summary: The British political debate on immigration is built on three flawed assumptions: too many foreigners are coming, it’s due to government failure, and immigration can be reduced without economic cost. A forthcoming government white paper is expected to reflect these ideas, influenced by the recent electoral success of the anti-immigration Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage.

Despite falling net migration numbers—from a peak of 906,000 in 2023 to 728,000—public concern remains high, especially in areas with relatively few immigrants. This shows that anti-immigration sentiment is not purely driven by numbers but by broader social and economic anxieties.

While migrants play a vital role in sectors like healthcare, education, and social care, these contributions are rarely emphasized in political discourse. Instead, immigration is often portrayed only as a burden, fueling public fear and division.

Labour and Conservative politicians alike have failed to communicate the economic reality of migration, wrongly believing that hitting a certain migration target will satisfy public opinion and neutralize Farage's appeal. But Farage can always demand stricter controls, unconstrained by economic or social considerations.

The article argues that Labour’s best—and most principled—strategy is to reject the race to the bottom in immigration rhetoric and confront the harmful cynicism driving it.
Tags: UK

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