Suella Braverman calls for action to reduce record levels of migration
Suella Braverman, a former home secretary, has raised concerns about the record levels of migration to the UK, calling the pressure on public services “unsustainable.” According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, net migration reached a record high of 745,000 last year.
Braverman emphasized the need for immediate action to reduce the number of people coming to the UK, citing the strain on housing, the NHS, schools, wages, and community cohesion. She proposed measures such as an annual cap on net migration, closing the graduate visa route, and capping health and social care visas.
The government, led by Prime Minister James Cleverly, acknowledged the high levels of migration and stated that steps were being taken to address the issue. These measures include limiting the number of relatives that health and social care workers can bring with them, raising the minimum salary threshold for work visas, and abolishing the system allowing employers to pay less in recognized shortage areas.
Despite efforts to curb migration, the ONS reported that net migration figures for the year to June have shown a slight decrease, with 672,000 people arriving and 508,000 leaving. The majority of arrivals were from countries outside the European Union, with students and healthcare workers making up a significant portion.
While the government remains committed to reducing legal migration and preventing visa system abuse, opposition leaders have criticized the focus on net migration figures. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the high levels of migration as a failure of immigration, asylum, and the economy, while the SNP’s Alison Thewliss called for Scotland to have control over migration policies.
The debate over migration levels continues to be a contentious issue in the UK, with calls for stricter controls and concerns about the impact on public services and the economy. As the government considers new measures to address migration, the future of immigration policy in the UK remains uncertain.
