IMMIGRATION IN BRITAIN

An opportunity for the country or a threat to society? Britain’s political divide on immigration deepens

By The Immigrant Times

Britain’s political leaders (from top left to bottom right): Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Labour); Kemi Badenoch (Conservative); Zack Polanski (Green Party); Ed Davey (Liberal Democrats); Nigel Farage (Reform UK); John Swinney (Scottish Nation Party); Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru)

October 2025: Immigration and asylum policy remains one of the most divisive and ideologically charged battlegrounds in British politics, with the main parties holding starkly contrasting positions that shape the national conversation. The debate has fractured into two irreconcilable poles: one advocating for a dramatic reduction in numbers and strict enforcement, and the other demanding a humane, rights-based, and economically pragmatic system.

On the one hand, the Conservative Party and Reform UK occupy the right of the spectrum, with both parties prioritising deterrence, control, and reduced net migration. The Conservatives have championed restrictive policies, notably the Rwanda deportation scheme and increased income requirements for visas, while Reform UK represents the most uncompromising stance, proposing an ‘immigration freeze’, the abolition of the primary route to permanent residency after five years, and an ‘immigration tax’ on migrant workers.

Conversely, the Green Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Scottish National Party (SNP), and the Welsh Nationalists Plaid Cymru argue for a far more liberal and welcoming approach. The Green Party and the Lib Dems call for the abolition of the 'Hostile Environment', the creation of safe legal routes for refugees, and a system built on human rights and economic necessity rather than arbitrary caps.

Similarly, the SNP and Plaid Cymru push for devolved migration powers and a system tailored to the specific needs of Scotland and Wales, nations facing depopulation and workforce shortages, arguing the current UK ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach is actively harmful to their prosperity and public services.

Positioned between these extremes, Britain’s governing Labour Party seeks to restore stability and credibility, aiming to reduce overall numbers through a more managed, selective, and "contribution"-based system, while generally opposing the controversial policies of the right.

In short, Britain’s political landscape is not a simple linear scale but a fragmented field, where the central parties grapple with public anxiety over numbers, while the flanks offer radical visions: an ultra-restrictive system on the hard right, and a humanitarian and economically pragmatic alternative on the left and among the devolved nationalist parties.

Statements and quotes on immigration by Britain’s party leaders

Statements by Sir Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party (centre-left)

Since becoming Prime Minister in July 2024, Keir Starmer has toughened Labour's stance on immigration and introduced a white paper to cut net migration. This shift in rhetoric has been met with both support and criticism from within his own party and beyond. 

September/October 2025: Response to Reform UK

In late September 2025, Starmer addressed Reform UK's proposal to scrap indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for immigrants legally in the UK. He described the proposal as "racist" and "immoral," distinguishing it from the removal of illegal migrants. At the Labour Party conference in October 2025, Starmer stated that those who promote racism and division "are an enemy of national renewal". 

May 2025: Immigration White Paper and "island of strangers" speech

During his May 2025 speech introducing the government's Immigration White Paper, Starmer warned that without fair immigration rules, "we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together". He also vowed to "take back control of our borders" and argued that high migration numbers under the previous government did not necessarily lead to higher growth. Following criticism for his language, Starmer expressed regret for using the phrase "island of strangers" in a late June interview.

In May 2025, Starmer posted on social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), he acknowledged public anger about immigration and promised to "take back control of our borders," cut migration, and end the use of asylum hotels. On Facebook, he stated that the immigration system would be tightened and migration numbers would fall.

March 2025: Immigration Summit

At a summit in London, Starmer described the UK as a "soft touch on migration" under the previous government and expressed anger about illegal immigration. He called illegal immigration a "massive driver of global insecurity" and discussed building an "arsenal" of tools to combat people-smuggling gangs. 

Statements by Kemi Badenoch

Leader of the Conservative Party (Conservative, centre-right)

Conservative Party conference (October 2025)

'Deporting legally settled people' In late October 2025, a spokesperson for Badenoch stated that it was "broadly in line" with Conservative party policy for legally settled people to be stripped of their indefinite leave to remain if they claimed benefits. The comment followed remarks by a Tory MP, which drew condemnation and internal complaints.

'High immigration levels damage communities': At the Conservative conference, Badenoch warned that high levels of immigration damage communities and that a lack of integration could lead to a "very dark place." She defended the comments by fellow Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, who had been criticised for remarks about a lack of white faces on a Birmingham street.

'Leaving treaties to deport migrants' At the party conference, Badenoch indicated that a future Conservative government would be open to quitting more international treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), to increase deportations.

'Imitation of US immigration enforcemen': It was reported in October 2025 that the Tories would pledge to create an immigration task force modelled on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

May–June 2025: On Labour's policies

'Claiming benefits and settlement' Following a government white paper on immigration, Badenoch proposed a policy that would make migrants wait 10 years before they can claim any benefits and apply for indefinite leave to remain, instead of the current five. She wrote in the Telegraph that this would be "a simple way to deter migrants".

'Response to Keir Starmer' In a social media post, Badenoch accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of having called all immigration laws "racist" and asked why anyone would believe he wanted to bring migration down.

'Critiquing Labour's white paper' Following the announcement of the government's white paper, Badenoch stated that Labour "doesn't believe in secure borders" and cannot be trusted to protect them.

November–December 2024: As Conservative party leader

'Accepting past mistakes' After becoming Conservative leader, Badenoch admitted her party "got it wrong" on immigration while in government. She stated that the UK "cannot sustain the numbers we have seen" and that the rate was "too fast to maintain public services".

In November 2024, Badenoch stated, "This country is not a dormitory or a hotel, it is our home".

'Strict numerical cap' She pledged that a future Conservative government would introduce a "strict numerical cap" on migration.

Tore up reputation': During a parliamentary debate, Badenoch accused Starmer of "instead smashing the gangs, the only thing he's smashed was his reputation.”

September–October 2024 - during her leadership campaign

"Not all cultures equally valid": During her leadership campaign, Badenoch attracted controversy for stating that "not all cultures are equally valid." She specified that cultures telling women not to work were not as valid as British culture.

'Contribute to our society': In the same context, she argued that "Our country is not a dormitory for people to come here and make money. It is our home... Those we choose to welcome, we expect to share our values and contribute to our society.”

Against being a "sponge for migrants": In October 2024, she stated that Britain must not be a "sponge for migrants," emphasising that those who come to the country should want to be a part of it.

Statements by Sir Ed Davey

Leader of the Liberal Democrats (Liberal, centre-left)

Ed Davey has consistently framed his party's immigration policy as a liberal and humane alternative to the approaches of the Conservative and Labour parties. He has advocated for fixing the asylum system, tackling illegal immigration, and ensuring migrants are treated with dignity.

In September 2025, during the Liberal Democrat conference, Davey called for an urgent effort to clear the asylum backlog within six months, citing potential savings on hotel costs. He argued that faster processing would enable those with a right to remain to work and allow for the deportation of those without such a right. He also criticised the previous Conservative government for intentionally increasing the backlog.

In May 2025, Davey opposed the government's decision not to allow asylum seekers to work after three months, stating that it prevented them from contributing to the economy.

Also in May 2025, he criticised the high fees for care worker visas, arguing that the previous Conservative government prioritised bringing in low-paid workers over properly compensating carers. He added that those who come to the UK to provide care should be appreciated.

In January 2025, at Prime Minister's Questions, Davey suggested creating a new visa route for "wealthy, highly-skilled Americans" who might want to leave the US after Donald Trump's election, highlighting their potential economic contributions.

In July 2024, Davey acknowledged the potential costs of high immigration but also emphasised the positive contributions of immigrants to the UK economy and society. He also noted that immigration increased after the UK left the EU, contrary to promises made by Conservatives and Brexiteers.

Statements by Zack Polanski

Leader of the Green Party (Leftist environmental)

Zack Polanski offers a humanitarian, pro-migration stance, arguing that migrants are an asset to the country and that immigration is not the cause of the UK's problems. His comments often contrast with the positions of other major parties, particularly in response to tougher language and policies on immigration.

October 2025: At the Green Party conference 

"Migrants and refugees are welcome here": At the Green Party conference in Bournemouth, Polanski led supporters in a chant of "Migrants and refugees are welcome here". He described Reform UK's plans to deport people as threatening to "our friends, our neighbours, our family members".

"Migration is Britain's superpower": In an article for The Guardian, he wrote that "Migration is Britain's superpower" and that the UK's future depends on embracing this truth.

A "humanitarian, dignified approach": During a round of interviews with BBC local radio, Polanski said he advocates for a "humanitarian, dignified approach" to migrants. He pointed to National Health Service (NHS) vacancies as an example of how migrants make a "huge contribution" that should be valued.

"Stop the boats" through legal routes: Polanski has expressed a willingness to "stop the boats" crossing the Channel by creating "safe and legal routes" for asylum seekers. This is a departure from previous Green party policy. He has framed this as a way to show compassion and care, which he says are British values.

September 2025: Responses to Labour and social media posts

"Stop the bullshit": In response to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's comment that the country had been "squeamish" about immigration, Polanski retorted, "Let's call that for what it is: bullshit." He argued that politicians have talked about immigration in "the most toxic, dehumanising way possible" for decades.

Migration is good for the country: On TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), Polanski reiterated that "migration is good for this country" and that migrants contribute more to the tax system than they take in benefits.

Criticism of other parties: Polanski accused other parties of ignoring the "huge issues of poverty, housing, and low pay" by scapegoating migrants. He claimed Labour was "constantly appeasing the far right" with its immigration policies, and he called Reform UK's Nigel Farage a "Trump-loving, tax-avoiding, science-denying, NHS-dismantling corporate stooge".

Inequality over immigration: In an Instagram reel, Polanski stated that the fear felt by many in Black and Asian communities is rooted in a "racist fascist frame" of the migration crisis. He argued that the crisis is actually due to inequality and poverty, and that "the answer is not to blame the migrants".

September 2025: Initial comments upon becoming leader

Challenging the narrative: At his first party conference as leader, Polanski stated, "The Green Party will tell the truth about migration and about racism in our society".

"The threat to our society is not arriving by dinghy or a small boat": He famously argued that the real threats to society are not small boats but "are flying in a private jet... high above our food banks," and the "water companies pumping sewage into our rivers".

Statements by Nigel Farage

Leader of Reform UK (Right-wing)

Nigel Farage focuses on immigration as a central theme of his political campaigning. He argues that high immigration places a severe strain on public services, housing, and integration and believes that both the Conservative and Labour parties have failed to address the issue. His rhetoric has often been controversial and includes advocating for radical changes to immigration policy.

September 2025: Abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) 

Farage announced plans to abolish Indefinite Leave to Remain status for legal migrants, requiring them to reapply for time-limited visas under new rules. This would affect both recent migrants and those who have been legally resident for years.

He claims this policy would save the taxpayer hundreds of billions of pounds by ending benefit entitlements, an assertion disputed by experts.

The announcement drew immediate criticism from other parties, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling it "unacceptable" to threaten people who are already settled and contributing to the country.

August 2025: Mass deportation and illegal immigration 

In August, Farage announced "Operation Restoring Justice," a plan for the "mass deportation" of illegal migrants, arguing it was the "only way" to stop small boat crossings.

He stated the policy would be enforced by detaining and deporting anyone arriving illegally and would involve leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Farage also warned of a "genuine threat to public order" if no action is taken to address public anger over the issue, describing illegal migration as a ‘scourge’.

May 2025: On Labour policy

Responding to Labour's immigration white paper, Farage accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of not being serious about border control.

When Labour announced proposals for tougher rules on ILR, Farage responded by presenting his own, more radical plan to abolish the status altogether. 

March 2025: Economic impact of immigration

In a social media post, Farage claimed that "Mass migration is making us poorer as a country in every way," blaming population increases for rising rents and pressure on public services. 

June 2024: General Election campaign

"Invasion" rhetoric: Farage defended his use of the term "invasion" to describe illegal migrant crossings, arguing that he was vindicated by the high number of crossings.

Call for an "immigration election": Farage launched his party's proposals by stating the general election "should be the immigration election".

Promise to freeze non-essential immigration: Reform's "contract" for the election included a freeze on non-essential immigration.

"Population explosion": Speaking in Blackpool during the election campaign, Farage claimed a "population explosion is diminishing the quality of life of everybody in this country," and that the UK "just can't take million upon million upon million". 

Statements by John Swinney

Scottish First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP)

John Swinney advocates for a distinct immigration policy for Scotland, arguing that UK government policies harm Scotland's economy and public services. He frequently contrasts the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s pro-migration stance with what he views as the hostile rhetoric and damaging actions of Westminster, particularly in relation to the care sector and the working-age population.

October 2025: Conference and asylum arrivals

Sponsoring care worker visas: During the SNP conference in October, Swinney announced the Scottish government would spend £500,000 to sponsor visa applications for overseas care workers. He stated that older people "should not have to pay the price for Westminster's prejudice" and described the UK government's restrictions on overseas care workers as "deeply damaging.”

Pausing asylum arrivals in Glasgow: Swinney agreed that a temporary pause on new asylum arrivals in Glasgow was "fair and reasonable," acknowledging that the city's system was overwhelmed. He reiterated his view that Nigel Farage's politics are "repulsive" but that a pause was needed to allow the city to catch up.

Condemning anti-migrant attacks: Following an incident where a brick was thrown through a hotel window, housing asylum seekers, Swinney condemned the attack as "despicable." He stressed that people inside the hotel should not have to experience fear and terror in Scotland.

September 2025: First Minister's address 

"Demonising of migrants is not just disgraceful": In a national address, Swinney said the "demonising of migrants is not just disgraceful, it is harming our most precious public service".

Refugees are "always welcome": Writing for The National, Swinney pledged that under his government, refugees will "always be welcome in Scotland" and promised that an independent Scotland would treat refugees with dignity and respect.

May 2025: Response to UK government's White Paper

"Plays into Nigel Farage's hands": Swinney criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer's immigration plan, arguing that it would damage Scotland's economy and that such "divisive language only plays into Nigel Farage's hands".

Immigration system needs to reflect Scotland's needs: Following Labour's immigration overhaul, Swinney called for an immigration system "which is reflective of Scotland's needs" and warned that a one-size-fits-all approach ignores the need to boost Scotland's working-age population.

August 2024: Criticising Westminster's approach

"Sick of Westminster politicians blaming migration": On social media, Swinney wrote: "I am sick of Westminster politicians blaming migration for their failures".

Brexit, not migration, is the problem: In the same post, he argued, "It's not migration that pushed down living standards - it's Brexit, austerity and rising bills". 

June 2024: Commitment to boosting migration

Working with Labour: Swinney confirmed he would work with an incoming Labour government to boost migration to Scotland, engaging positively with any plan to address skills and workforce shortages.

Criticising Labour's stance: He also cautioned that Labour had shown a "very hostile" attitude to immigration in England and accused Labour figures of saying they will "shut the door on immigration".

Statements by Rhun ap Iorwerth

Leader of Plaid Cymru (The Party of Wales)

Rhun ap Iorwerth, has consistently argued for a more compassionate and flexible immigration system, contrasting his party's views with what he sees as anti-migrant rhetoric from other parties. He believes that while public concerns about immigration are valid, the root cause of pressure on services is underinvestment by the UK government, not migrants. He has also emphasised that some parts of Wales need more immigration, not less, to address depopulation and workforce shortages.

October 2025: Caerphilly by-election and immigration rhetoric

"Triumph of positivity over division": Following Plaid Cymru's victory in the Caerphilly Senedd by-election, ap Iorwerth described the result as a "triumph of positivity over division". He portrayed the win as a rejection of Reform UK's immigration-focused campaign.

"No such thing as illegal immigration": In an interview, ap Iorwerth stated that "There's no such thing as illegal immigration". This stance, which frames immigration as a matter of legal systems rather than an inherently illegal act, has been met with significant criticism.

"We see no borders": A social media post from 10 October reported that ap Iorwerth had said, "we see no borders" and that "we don't have to live in a society in which the asylum seeker is scorned," further highlighting his internationalist perspective.

Rejoining the EU single market: On 10 October, ap Iorwerth reaffirmed his party's support for rejoining the EU single market, acknowledging that free movement of people is part of that package. He said Wales has been held back by its inability to move people freely within the EU.

July / August 2025: Depopulation and workforce shortages

More immigration for certain areas: On July 17, a social media post highlighted ap Iorwerth's argument that some parts of Wales, facing depopulation, need more migrants. He also emphasised the need for more workers in sectors like health and social care.

Immigration "not a massive problem" in Wales: In an August appearance on Sky News, ap Iorwerth stated that "we know that immigration isn't a massive problem on the ground in Wales," sparking debate and criticism.

June 2024: General election campaign

Blaming the UK government for public service pressure: Ap Iorwerth acknowledged public concerns about migration's effect on services but argued that the real pressure came from a lack of UK government spending, not the migrants themselves.

"Treat migrants as humans": In an interview with The Big Issue, ap Iorwerth argued against the demonisation of migrants by mainstream political parties and called for migrants to be treated as humans.

"Safe routes so people aren't dying in boats": He has criticised the three-word slogan ‘stop the boats’ as an overly simplistic approach to a serious humanitarian issue, advocating for safe routes instead.

Further reading: Labour moves to the right on immigration || New immigtants to Britain face strict English requirements || Immigration in the Netherlands ||

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