Isabel Hardman Isabel Hardman

Sunak and Starmer fail to convince on immigration at PMQs

Rishi Sunak at PMQs (Credit: Parliamentlive.tv)

What is the real difference between the two main parties on immigration? Not much, if today’s Prime Minister’s Questions was anything to go by. Both parties say they want to drive net migration down, both accuse the other of not really wanting to do this and of letting things get out of control, and both find the subject compelling and uncomfortable all at once.

Keir Starmer chose to lead on the highly anticipated net migration figures due out tomorrow. They are expected to show a record high in the number of people coming to this country. Ministers have been getting their excuses and defences in early, including with the announcement of new curbs on visas for the dependants of overseas postgraduate students.

Both parties are struggling to convince voters that they have the will and ability to control migration

The Labour leader opened by asking how many work visas were issued to foreign workers last year.

Isabel Hardman
Written by
Isabel Hardman
Isabel Hardman is assistant editor of The Spectator and author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians. She also presents Radio 4’s Week in Westminster.

Topics in this article

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in