My perspective on immigration in the UK

The publication of the Government’s White Paper, Restoring Control over the Immigration System, alongside the Prime Minister’s accompanying speech, marks an important moment in how we think - and talk - about migration in this country.

In the Buckingham and Bletchley constituency, I represent a population which reflect the rich diversity of modern Britain. Many come from families with roots in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. The majority, of course, can trace their lineage here back generations. It is one of the greatest privileges of my role to see, first-hand, the ways in which immigration has shaped, strengthened, and enriched our towns, villages, and cities.

Our country has, over decades and centuries, been immeasurably enriched - socially, culturally, economically - by those who have come from abroad to make the UK their home. And like a small but ever growing number of Britons, my own mixed heritage is part of that story. The fact that I can wear that heritage so easily — within our community, our country, and our Parliament — is a powerful testament to the progress we have made as a society.

Yet while we celebrate what migration has brought us, we must also acknowledge the concerns that high levels of immigration can raise, regardless of how long they themselves have been here. These concerns are not new. Neither are they original. They never present us with easy conversations, but they are essential ones for us to have today.

People are understandably anxious about the pressures on our housing, our health services, our schools, and other critical infrastructure. But beyond that, there is sometimes a deeper concern.

If we do not have control of our borders, we have no way to manage who is enters our country. The open-border experiment that Conservatives oversaw – almost certainly due to sheer incompetence – has allowed criminal networks to flourish. Not only has this left those entering the country illegally vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, but it has also done something more pernicious. It has fractured the cohesion of some of our communities.

That is why we need to talk about immigration candidly and not brush the issue under the carpet. To pretend these concerns will disappear, if we simply shift awkwardly in our seats and avoid the subject altogether, is not just politically naïve – it is irresponsible. It does nothing to address the problem and leaves space for those who offer only simplistic slogans or, as we increasingly see on social media, incredibly divisive rhetoric.

That is why it is incumbent on this Labour Government to provide solutions.

We were elected on the promise of change. Therefore, the public rightly expects us to get a grip on who is coming into the country, why they are coming, and what their presence contributes. This is not a call for cruelty or for closing the door to the world. It is a call for competence, for clarity, and for fairness.

Nearly ten years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, that imperative is even greater. The country voted for greater control of its own affairs. Yet the Conservatives showed that they had no idea how to deliver that. In my view, any UK Government is obliged to deliver a migration system that reflects both our values and our national interest. A system that is fair, compassionate and sustainable.

Unlike the Conservatives and Reform, we should be honest about the choices we face and approach the debate with integrity. After all, migration policy does not exist in a vacuum. There will sometimes be economic trade-offs, and there will still be sectors with genuine skills gaps that need to be filled. And in an ever more volatile and violent world, there will be moments when the right decision is to welcome those seeking sanctuary in their darkest hour.

Over the coming weeks, I continue studying the 80 pages of the Government’s thoughtful White Paper, and working with colleagues accordingly to ensure Britain has the best possible system.

On first reflections, the Government is taking pragmatic, necessary steps which ensures we stay true to our shared British values. It delivers a pragmatic approach to migration that balances economic needs with long-term sustainability. It involves raising skill thresholds to reduce our reliance on lower-skilled migration.

Alongside this, it is right to place an emphasis on developing credible workforce plans which prioritise training and upskilling home-grown talent. Higher English language requirements will support social integration, while reforms to student and graduate visas and tighter settlement rules will ensure that staying in the UK reflects genuine contribution rather than merely the time served in this country.

We can design a system that enables our public services, universities, and businesses to thrive with the people they need – while also making sure that the millions of Britons who feel overlooked are not left out of the success, I know we can achieve together.

If we fail to act, if we fail to respond, then we risk deepening division and eroding the public trust that underpins our democratic life.

This is our moment to get it right - not just for today, but for the country we want to build together tomorrow.