Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer warned business leaders that the era of “cheap labor” must stop to wean the United Kingdom from its “dependence on immigration.”
Sir Keir advocated for a strategy to train British employees and transition the economy away from its “low-pay model.”
However, he acknowledged the necessity for foreign workers with specialized skills and promised a “pragmatic” approach to immigration.
His address comes at a time when corporations are requesting more migrant labor to stimulate economic expansion.
On Monday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in Birmingham, followed by the Labor leader on Tuesday.
Mr. Sunak told business leaders that “appropriate control of our borders” was one of the immediate benefits of Brexit, and that stemming illegal immigration was “the country’s top concern right now.
Tony Danker, general director of the CBI, had previously stated that the United Kingdom required more foreign workers to support economic recovery as the nation faces a severe recession.
Mr. Danker stated, “People are protesting against immigration, but it is the single factor that has enhanced our development potential since March.”
During the Covid-19 epidemic, migration was significantly lower than in previous years, and the amount of EU citizens relocating to the United Kingdom has decreased since the country’s exit from the European Union.
From 2026 onwards, the Office for Budget Responsibility anticipates a drop in net migration, with the number settling at 205,000 annually.
Sir Keir outlined the UK’s immigration strategy under a Labour administration in his speech, should the party win the upcoming general election.
He promised an immigration system that is more business-friendly and recognizes the need for talented foreign employees.
However, he emphasized that any modifications to a points-based immigration system “would bring about new business conditions.”
“We will expect you to present a clear plan for increased skills and training, improved compensation and working conditions, and investment in new technologies,” he said.
“But our shared objective must be to wean the British economy off its reliance on immigration. To begin investing more in the training of existing staff.”
Sir Keir, when asked if he desired a drop in net migration, stated that he anticipated a decline in places that had been “overly dependent” on foreign labor.
However, he emphasized that he did not wish to hinder firms if they needed to hire foreign talent.
Sir Keir also stated that he would address NHS waiting for lines and increase mental health care to assist individuals in regaining employment.
He addressed the conference, “You can’t tell me that the number of older people losing their jobs has nothing to do with the millions of individuals sitting on NHS waiting lists.”
Since the pandemic, one million people, primarily in their 50s, have quit their jobs, making it more difficult for employers to obtain qualified workers.
Sir Keir highlighted Labour’s reform objectives, which included:
Ensuring that all visa-sponsoring firms provide adequate wages and working conditions
Accelerate visa delays to prevent labor shortages from harming the economy.
Introduce training and initiatives to enhance compensation and working conditions for positions requiring foreign recruitment.
Reforming the Migration Advisory Committee to more precisely predict future trends
Sir Keir, when asked if his party supported the plans, stated that Labour had “transformed” and added, “We’ve turned Labour inside out.”
Sir Keir discussed immigration, stating that the United Kingdom recruits too many foreigners into the NHS.
The head of Labour appears to have a sincere view that this is the most effective method for achieving sustainable economic growth.
According to reports, Keir Starmer feels that a fundamental rethink is required that entails training the native labor rather than relying on immigration.
However, there is also a political calculation.
Sir Keir hopes to persuade the former Labour strongholds that voted for Brexit that he understands some of their worries around immigration levels.
He also wishes to persuade them that he is serious about achieving a successful Brexit – sans freedom of movement.
However, not all Labour Party members will agree with his speech’s tone or content.
Before the 2016 EU referendum, the increase in legal immigration to the United Kingdom was one of the most prominent political topics in the country.
Former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron originally pledged to reduce annual immigration to tens of thousands.
Since the late 1990s, net migration – the difference between the number of persons entering and leaving the United Kingdom – has exceeded 200,000.
Under the leadership of Sir Keir, Labour has ruled out a return to the EU single market, which allows people of member states to live and work anywhere inside the bloc.
Some members of the Labour Party have called for a far tighter connection with the EU on different terms in response to the party’s Brexit stance.
Sir Keir’s statement follows Mr. Sunak’s denial that government may seek to realign UK laws with EU regulations.
Some Conservatives were outraged by rumors that the government was considering a Swiss-style relationship with the EU.
On Monday, however, the prime minister stated at a CBI conference that the United Kingdom “would not pursue any partnership with Europe that depends on conformance with EU regulations.”
