Senior Tories are warning that the UK faces unsustainable pressure as shock figures reveal that net migration could raise the population by the equivalent of six Birminghams by 2036. Official projections predict that 73.7 million people will be living in the UK by then, which is a ten percent increase from the current population of 67 million.
Crackdown on Legal Migration to Take Effect
Home Secretary James Cleverly has stated that a crackdown on legal migration will take effect within weeks. However, some hardline Tory MPs are demanding that Brexit freedoms be used to implement tougher measures, including an overall cap on net migration. Ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman argues that the current numbers are too high and put pressure on schools, the NHS, and housing. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick also expresses concern, stating that there is no democratic consent for such a surge in migration and that the government has the power to change this.
Population Hike Breakdown
Of the projected 6.7 million population increase, 541,000 is due to more births than deaths, while the remaining 6.1 million is attributed to net migration. The Office for National Statistics expects net migration to settle at around 315,000 per year from 2028, which is still higher than the Tories' 250,000 target pledged in the 2019 election.
Reforms to Cut Numbers
The Home Office has confirmed details of the reforms unveiled in December to reduce the numbers. These reforms include a ban on care workers bringing in family members, the elimination of the rule allowing firms to hire cheaper labor from abroad, and an increase in the minimum salary for skilled worker visas. Home Secretary Cleverly emphasizes that these measures are a firm but fair approach that gives those affected time to prepare while ensuring a decrease in migration.
Meeting with French Counterpart to Discuss Illegal Immigration
Home Secretary Cleverly has traveled to Paris to meet with French counterpart Gerald Darmanin to discuss illegal immigration. They have agreed to increase aerial surveillance to combat small boats, and they plan to convene a meeting of the Calais Group in the spring to discuss further action. These efforts aim to address the issue of illegal immigration.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://hellofaread.com/politics/living-like-a-criminal-a-day-with-an-ankle-tag/
