Pressure on Rishi Sunak and Potential Tory Backlash
Staggering figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that mass immigration will increase the UK population by 6.1 million people over the next 15 years. This rise, from 67 million in 2021 to 73.7 million by 2036, will put more pressure on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to address the issue and risks sparking another backlash from within the Tory party.
New Crackdown on Foreign Workers to Address Concerns
To address the likely anger over the population increase, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, is providing further details on the recent crackdown on foreign workers and their families. Cleverly emphasizes the need to reduce migration to sustainable levels and highlights the robust measures introduced last year, including tightening rules for care workers and skilled workers, as well as ensuring that people can financially support their family members who come to the UK. Cleverly states that this approach is firm but fair, giving those affected time to prepare while reducing migration and alleviating pressure on public services.
Projected Population Boost and Net Migration Figures
The expected population boost of 6.6 million represents a 9.9 percent increase from the 2021 level. This includes 541,000 more births than deaths, while the remaining 6.1 million is attributed to annual net migration. In 2020, net migration was over 745,000, but the Office for National Statistics predicts that this figure will settle at around 315,000 from 2028.
Government's Commitment and Measures to Reduce Migration
Previous Tory governments have pledged, albeit unsuccessfully, to bring annual net migration below 100,000. Chancellor Rishi Sunak remains committed to the 2019 manifesto commitment to reduce numbers to below 250,000 per year, although current projections suggest this target will not be met before the next election. In late 2020, Sunak announced a package of measures aimed at reducing overall migration numbers by 300,000 per year.
Crackdown Measures: Scrapping the Shortage Occupation List and Raising Salary Thresholds
As part of the government's crackdown on immigration, the Shortage Occupation List, which allows firms to bring people over on visas at a discounted rate, will be abolished. Additionally, the salary threshold for foreign workers will be raised from £26,200 to £38,700, representing a 48 percent increase. This change aligns with the demands of right-wing Tory MPs who have called for higher salary requirements. However, individuals working in health and social care will be exempt from the raised salary rules. Furthermore, British residents wishing to sponsor family members for a visa will need to earn £38,700, an increase from £18,600, marking the first adjustment to this threshold since 2012.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/power-sharing-in-northern-ireland-to-restart-as-unionists-and-ministers-agree-to-revise-brexit-deal/
