Wes Streeting, a candidate in the Labour leadership race, has announced plans to increase high-skilled immigration to the UK, arguing that Donald Trump's policies make the US unwelcoming to scientists and AI experts. In a speech next week, the former health secretary will also propose using tax revenues from new North Sea oil and gasfields to cut energy bills.
Streeting is challenging Andy Burnham and others to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. His immigration plan includes a global talent programme targeting 20,000 world-leading scientists, AI experts, and engineers over three years, with a £250 million budget housed in No 10. He said: 'Trump is saying to world-leading scientists, engineers, AI experts – you’re not welcome here. I would tell them: we’ll welcome you with open arms.'
On North Sea energy, Streeting will advocate for using tax receipts from the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields to fund insulation, heat pumps, and electrification. He argued: 'The tax receipts from new North Sea oil and gasfields should be funnelled into cheaper energy... Opponents of the North Sea [drilling] say it sets the wrong example to the world. But the worst example we can set is that net zero can only be delivered on the backs of the poor and working people’s jobs.'
Critics of new North Sea drilling warn it could undermine climate targets. Meanwhile, Burnham is expected to focus on public control of water and energy if he becomes prime minister.
