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.
Most of the public does not like the way in which the England flag has been dragged into polarised debates about identity and race, according to new research published today by British Future, one month out from St George's Day. [Thread]
Faith leaders urge Government to 'slow down and rethink' changes to settlement rules, in a letter published in The Guardian today 🧵
Angela Rayner has warned that the Labour government proposals to make it harder for migrants already in the UK to settle permanently are "un-British" and a "breach of trust" - BBC News report
Angela Rayner warns against 'un-British' immigration reforms
Most migrant workers will have to wait longer to qualify for permanent residence under the government's proposals.
www.bbc.co.uk
Faith leaders urge government to rethink settlement changes that “risk undermining” community cohesion [1/3]
Our @sundersays will be on @BBCRadio4 'The Week in Westminster' at 11 today discussing the new govt cohesion plan and definition of anti-Muslim prejudice
BBC Radio 4 - The Week in Westminster
Radio 4's weekly assessment of developments at Westminster
www.bbc.co.uk
An independent commission examining inclusion and belonging in Newham – London's most diverse borough – has today published its final report, setting out recommendations to strengthen community connection and make the borough a national beacon of good practice [1/3]
"Her focus on so-called ‘pull-factors’ – an approach tried and tested without success by Conservative Home Secretaries before her – has been shown not to work." Our @sundersays on Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's speech today.
The Modern Cockney Festival opens next week with events throughout March, including on the 16th marking the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.
More details at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderncockneyfestival
'From Diwali to Discord: What Happened to Leicester’s Shared Belonging?'
As a new report examines the 2022 Leicester unrest, our Avaes Mohammed speaks to people from South Asian communities in the city about what needs to change. [1/2]
"Rupert Lowe looks like creating a new BNP for the online age – a project doomed to fail," writes @sundersays for @easterneye [1/2]
