Keir Starmer could easily cut legal migration, says Suella Braverman

In a recent statement, Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, discussed the issue of legal migration in the context of current political leadership in the United Kingdom. Speaking on GB News, she criticized the Rishi Sunak administration for its lack of political will to reduce immigration numbers, particularly legal migration, which she claims has become a pressing problem contributing to the government's unpopularity. Braverman emphasized her efforts during her tenure, mentioning that she voted for Brexit primarily to lower migration levels. She noted that the recent 20% fall in migration figures, as reported in the ONS data, indicates a potential downward trend attributed to policy changes she implemented in May 2023. Braverman outlined the measures she put in place to tackle increasing migration, including raising the salary threshold for immigrants, limiting the number of dependents allowed, and restricting the graduate route for foreign students. Her assertion was that these actions were necessary to reverse the immigration rates that had topped 1 million at one point, reflecting a significant challenge for the British government. She also criticized the Office for Budget Responsibility's perspective on migration, claiming it influenced many government departments but did not align with her view, which prioritized lower immigration numbers. Braverman’s comments shift responsibility for future immigration rates onto the current Prime Minister, claiming that if the figures stop declining or begin to rise again, it would be a conscious choice made by the administration rather than happenstance. This assertion places political pressure on Keir Starmer, the leader of the opposition, suggesting that he could take decisive steps to cut legal migration if he chose. She believes that implementing a cap on the number of migrants allowed into the country and imposing restrictions on universities that accept foreign students could quickly produce results in reducing net migration figures. Overall, her statements reflect a continuing debate in the UK surrounding immigration policy, especially in the context of Brexit and the changing political landscape. The need for a coherent and decisive immigration strategy remains a focal point in British politics as the government interacts with public sentiment concerning migration and its broader implications for society and the economy.