Why immigration is a key issue in UK’s July 4 general election

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledges to reduce immigration levels if his Conservative Party triumphs in the July 4 general election. The British government also plans to airlift illegal immigrants to Rwanda. But why has immigration become such a big issue in the UK parliamentary election of July 4?

The British government plans to start deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda starting July 24, if the Conservative Party secures victory. This is aimed at reducing the number of illegal immigrants and curb the perilous Channel crossings.

Despite facing legal challenges, Sunak remains resolute about implementing this controversial policy if re-elected.

This commitment to immigration reduction has intensified the campaign focus on the issue, with Sunak and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer clashing over various topics, including tax and immigration, in their recent televised debate, ahead of the general election.

Starmer criticised Sunak, labelling him the “most liberal Prime Minister we’ve ever had on immigration”, underscoring the contentious nature of the immigration debate in the run-up to the election.

The immigration discourse is underscored by historical context, including former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron’s unmet 2010 goal to reduce net migration to tens of thousands annually.

Despite promises made during the Brexit campaign in 2016 to end free movement from Europe, net migration surged to 329,000 in 2015.

However, recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates a 10% decline in net migration to the UK in 2023, down to 685,000 from the peak of 764,000 in 2022.

Immigration has become a key election issue because of voter concerns about the impact of immigrant arrivals on housing, education, and healthcare in the UK.

SUNAK’S NEW IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS

In January 2024, Sunak introduced new regulations aimed at reducing immigration numbers by 300,000.

These measures include prohibiting international students from sponsoring family members, raising the salary threshold for skilled worker visas by 48% to £38,700 ($49,000), and limiting care workers’ ability to bring dependents into the country.

The government reported last month that these measures resulted in a 79% decrease in student-dependent applications during the first four months of 2024.

Additionally, there were 30,000 fewer student visa applications compared to the same period in the previous year, and a 58% reduction in applications from dependents of health and care workers.

INDIAN MIGRATION TRENDS IN THE UK

In 2023, Indians emerged as the leading nationality migrating to the UK, with 253,000 individuals relocating primarily for employment and education.

This influx contrasted with a 10% decrease in overall net immigration compared to 2022.

Of the total Indian migrants, 127,000 arrived for employment opportunities, 115,000 for educational pursuits, and 9,000 for various other reasons.

Nigerians rank second in terms of immigrant population in the UK, with 141,000 immigrants.

Following Nigerians, Chinese immigrants ranked third, while Pakistanis held the fourth position, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

RWANDA DEPORTATION POLICY

Sunak’s policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda faces legal and parliamentary hurdles, reported Reuters.

Despite the UK Supreme Court declaring the policy unlawful in November, Sunak signed a new treaty with Rwanda and passed legislation to circumvent the ruling.

The first deportation flight is scheduled for July 24, pending election results.

The opposition Labour Party, leading by about 20 points in opinion polls, has vowed to cancel the Rwanda deportation plan if elected.

Asylum Aid’s lawyer, Charlotte Kilroy, expressed surprise at the flight date during a London High Court challenge.

The number of asylum seekers crossing the Channel has hit record levels this year, with over 10,000 arrivals so far, despite a one-third drop in 2023.

Judge Martin Chamberlain noted the policy’s future hinges on the election outcome, with no predictions made.