The experiment failed.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared an end to what he described as Britain’s “open borders approach,” unveiling a series of immigration reforms aimed at reducing legal migration and asserting stronger border control.
Speaking on Monday, Starmer stated, “The era of unchecked migration is over. The British people asked for control—again and again—and we are answering that call. This Labour government is ending the experiment and taking decisive steps to secure our borders.”
The announcement follows recent electoral gains by the populist Reform UK party, which has amplified pressure on the Labour government to act on immigration.
“We will tighten regulations across every route into the country—whether through work, family, or education,” Starmer said. “Our goal is a system that is selective, controlled, and fair.”
The government’s new approach will raise language proficiency standards, restrict visas for low-skilled occupations, and extend the period most immigrants must live in the UK before becoming eligible for permanent residency or citizenship—from five to ten years.
Though earlier Conservative governments set numeric migration targets, Starmer’s plan avoids specific figures. However, he assured the public that the reforms would bring down migration numbers. “Let me be clear: this strategy will result in lower migration—that’s a promise,” he said, emphasizing that further actions would be taken if housing and public services remain under strain.
“These steps are necessary to prevent the UK from becoming a divided society—an island of strangers,” Starmer warned. “We must remain a united nation, moving forward together.”
