Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s new immigration measures aim to reduce migration levels, while legal battles surround the deportation policy to Rwanda. Nigel Farage’s return and Labour’s predicted election success add further complexity to the political landscape.
Rishi Sunak Announces Immigration Cap and Legal Challenges Surrounding Rwanda Policy
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled a plan to impose an official cap on the number of migrants entering the UK. This decision is part of an effort to reduce immigration to sustainable levels year-on-year, as advised by the Migration Advisory Committee. The proposal is set for a parliamentary vote, with the aim of preventing public services like the NHS and schools from being overwhelmed.
Sunak’s current measures, introduced with Home Secretary James Cleverly, aim to cut net migration significantly. Net migration hit a record high of 764,000 in 2022. Measures such as banning foreign students and overseas workers from bringing family members have been impactful, reducing applications in these categories by over 70%. The government is also raising the salary threshold for foreign graduates wishing to stay in the UK to work.
Furthermore, the High Court has been informed that the first flights deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda will be delayed until at least July 24, 2024. The policy, a major point in Sunak’s immigration strategy, faces ongoing legal challenges and will be subject to the outcome of the upcoming General Election. Judge Mr Justice Chamberlain has emphasized the need to resolve these legal issues promptly.
Amidst this, Nigel Farage has reentered the political scene as leader of the Reform Party, pledging to contest in the Essex seaside town of Clacton. This announcement coincided with a new poll predicting a significant victory for the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer, which projects a majority of 194 seats for Labour in the upcoming General Election. The poll also suggests major losses for the Conservative Party, potentially reducing them to just 140 seats.
Farage’s return has sparked concern within the Conservative Party, as his presence might split the right-leaning vote, potentially benefiting Labour. Despite internal challenges and opposition, the Conservative campaign continues, focusing on their immigration policy as a central theme.
