A scathing report from Migration Watch, marking the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote, has declared that the post-Brexit era has been an 'unmitigated failure' on immigration. The report claims that successive UK governments have 'wilfully failed' to use the powers gained from leaving the European Union to control borders.
Net migration surge despite end of free movement
Although free movement of EU nationals ended on December 31, 2020, net migration reached 745,000 in 2022, according to the report. The post-Brexit immigration system was 'designed in 2021 without a cap, without a resident labour market test, and with a reduced skill threshold,' the report criticises.
Call for binding numerical cap
The report takes governments to task for not imposing a 'binding numerical cap on total immigration', arguing that this hands control to 'employers and educational institutions who determine demand for sponsored visas'. Such a cap is 'absolutely necessary', the report concludes, adding that it is 'the only way that the democratic principle of sovereignty that defined the Leave vote, and Brexit was an opportunity to revive, can be respected'.
Migration Watch chairman's statement
Alp Mehmet, chairman of Migration Watch, said: 'Brexit delivered what the British public had demanded for years: the power to control our borders. Since 2016, successive governments have wilfully failed to use it. Although free movement ended, immigration surged because the post-Brexit points-based system was deliberately loosened at the behest of employers, universities, migrant rights groups and open-border zealots. The wishes of the majority were ignored.'
Home Office response
A Home Office spokesperson responded: 'Net migration is already down by 82% under this Government, though there is still more to do to reduce it further. The Home Secretary has set out plans for a skills-based migration system that focuses on contribution and integration, while reducing reliance on lower-skilled overseas recruitment.'
