Britain’s immigration offer to Europe: How could a new preferential system work? sets out a new proposal for a preferential system for EU immigration to the UK. Such a system could, we argue, secure UK public support and work for British business; yet it is also politically deliverable in Westminster and for the EU and its member states too.
The trade-off between accessing European markets and managing EU immigration lies at the heart of the current Brexit policy debate. Various voices from both sides of the negotiating table have set out their red lines. But we have heard relatively few constructive proposals for a deal that might square this circle and work both in the UK and in the capitals of Europe.
The report details a new, three-tier immigration system which offers preferential access to EU workers, with free movement maintained for workers that pass a skills or salary threshold; but brings unskilled immigration under UK control, through annually set quotas. Importantly, the first opportunity to fill those low-skilled migrant quotas would go to Britain’s preferential trade partners, such as the EU.
Many think immigration presents an impossible conundrum for the Brexit negotiations. A new, preferential system, we argue, could rebuild trust on immigration in Britain while offering UK negotiators a positive offer to make as it seeks a strong trade deal with the EU.
Our @sundersays.bsky.social gave evidence this morning to the Justice and Home Affairs Committee Inquiry into Settlement, Citizenship and Integration - watch here:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/cdf09b84-dbe9-4f35-b5a3-672f5117b586
New @FutureGovForum paper sets out 3-point plan to end use of asylum hotels by 2026 and deliver savings of btwn £3-5 billion for the Exchequer. [1/2]
THURSDAY WEBINAR: 'New Net Migration Figures - What Next for Policy and Politics?'
Our expert panel discusses the new ONS net migration figures (published 9.30am Thurs 27th) and findings from the British Future/Ipsos Immigration Attitudes Tracker (also published 27 Nov) [1/2]
Look out this Thursday for 'Noise & Nuance: What the public really thinks about immigration' – the 2025 findings of the @britishfuture @Ipsos_in_the_UK Immigration Attitudes Tracker.
Published ahead of new @ONS net migration figures later that morning.
Our @sundersays is on @BBCRadio4 'Materials of State' at 1.45 today talking to David Cannadine about the history, meaning and importance of the Union Jack
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Do we really want to win the ‘League of Least Welcoming Nations’?
@sundersays for @Independent on why copying Denmark on asylum may not be right for Britain. [1/2]
Look out next week for 'Noise & Nuance: What the public really thinks about immigration' - reporting new findings from the British Future/Ipsos Immigration Attitudes Tracker.
Published Thurs 27 Nov, ahead of new ONS net migration figures later that morning.
‘UK net migration 20% lower in 2024 than first thought, ONS says,’ reports BBC. Estimate now 345,000.
New net migration stats published next Thursday expected to show further fall.
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Shabana Mahmood’s hard line on asylum risks repeating Tory failures, warns @sundersays in @easterneye [1/2]
We're delighted to be judged among the five 'highly commended' runners-up for this year's Think Tank of the Year Award. @SmartThinktanks
