Labour’s long-awaited immigration crackdown is under fire before its full release today – with critics calling it “laughable” for failing to include a cap on migrant numbers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will promise that migration “will fall” as part of a sweeping overhaul, insisting new arrivals must “earn the right to stay”. But while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged a “substantial drop” from last year’s record 728,000 net migration, she has refused to introduce a cap, branding it a “failed approach”.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp blasted:
“Labour won’t set a migration target because they know they’d blow it.
When it comes to immigration, Starmer doesn’t back workers – he backs down.”

No Cap, No Credibility?

The lack of a hard numerical limit has drawn heavy criticism, especially after Reform UK capitalised on public discontent to score big in recent local elections, dealing Labour a stinging blow.

Starmer will unveil the Immigration White Paper in a press conference today, promising a clean break from the past:

“Settlement in this country will be a privilege, not a right.”

The plan includes:

• Ten-year residency requirement before applying for citizenship
• Mandatory English language proficiency
• Sweeping legal reforms to stop failed asylum seekers and criminals using Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights to avoid deportation

Crackdown Faces Backlash from Care Sector

While the plan aims to push firms to train British workers instead of recruiting from abroad, critics say it threatens vital services like social care.

Asylum figures rose to a record 108,138 in 2024, and 11,500 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year.

Meanwhile, the ONS predicts net migration will remain above 340,000 annually from 2028 – well beyond Labour’s implied target.

Yvette Cooper defended the plan on Sky News:
“We’re not going to take that really failed approach with a cap. We need to rebuild trust in the system.”

 Public and Political Reaction

A tweet from Starmer claiming “British workers – I’ve got your back” was mocked online. Critics pointed to last month’s National Insurance hike for businesses, claiming it contradicts support for UK workers.

Labour denies the plan is a kneejerk reaction to its poor election performance, maintaining that this was a long-planned pledge.