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.
“It is not ‘censorship’ to insist every website operating in our country does so within the law.” Our @sundersays argues in @easterneye that UK govt should reject Elon Musk’s ‘pick and mix” approach to the law and Make Social Media Lawful Again [1/2]
Spain has reduced small boat crossings by 46% by combining diplomatic deals with source countries, expanded legal routes and enforcement. Could the UK learn from them? @theipaper reports:
This European country cut illegal boat crossings by half - what the UK could learn
Spain's approach to reducing illegal maritime crossings has had impressive results, with numbers down dramatically last year
inews.co.uk
Our @sundersays on the UK government's dilemma: "how to defend a rule-based world order once the most powerful states barely pay lip service to international law." @EasternEye [1/2]
"The only safe prediction may be to expect another volatile year in domestic and global politics," writes our @sundersays for @EasternEye on what 2026 has in store. [1/2]
"We can take some solace in the fact that this offer to import the Trump and Vance doctrine into our own politics is something we will get to decide for ourselves at the ballot box." Our @sundersays letter to @thetimes on Trump's fears for Europe's 'civilisational erasure' [1/2]
With the men's football World Cup draw today, @sundersays @EasternEye column reports from the women's game at Wembley: "It would be hard to find a more inclusive pride and patriotism than the way in which the Wembley crowd were cheering on the Lionesses"
What the Lionesses’ success reveals about unity and diversity in England
Expert says sport serves as a bridge between communities.
www.easterneye.biz
We’re delighted that our @jake_puddle &
@Heather_Rolfe, together with @jillyrutter of @BelongNetwork, won the MRS Presidents Medal last night at the Market Research Society & Research Live Awards 2025, for the ‘The State of Us’ report. [1/3]
Good to see @JohnRentoul citing British Future's new research and analysis in this explainer of the new net migration figures for @Independent [1/3]
If you missed our webinar today 'New net migration figures: What next for politics and policy?' you can watch a recording here:
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]
'Labour risks leaving its voters behind over settlement proposals' – New blog from our @Heather_Rolfe for @UKandEU drawing on research for the Immigration Attitudes Tracker [1/2]
