Chris Philp has warned that "mass immigration without integration" will "destroy our culture" as he vowed to put Britons first. The Shadow Home Secretary declared "it is not racist or far-Right" to highlight "completely parallel societies" forming in parts of the UK, saying it could "destroy the foundations of our nation state".
Binding caps on legal migration
Mr Philp said a future Conservative government will "introduce binding caps on legal migration", as he accused Labour Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood of "surrendering" to Angela Rayner in an escalating row over a settlement rights crackdown.
Some 4.2 million migrants moved to the UK between 2021 and 2024. Some of this cohort are now eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, giving them access to benefits and the NHS.
Warning on social cohesion
Mr Philp told Tory members: "We can't keep on like this. It isn't fair to the British people. The cost – financial and social – is simply too high."
"Borders matter. Control matters. Numbers matter. Mass immigration without integration will destroy our culture and destroy the foundations of our nation state."
"It's not racist or far-Right to say that. It's common sense. So as Home Secretary, I would put the rights of our citizens first."
"Shabana Mahmood won't do that. She spent the last year claiming to be tough. But under pressure from Angela Rayner and open borders Labour MPs, she now plans to emasculate her own ILR reforms."
"This will mean hundreds of thousands of low-wage or no-wage migrants will stay forever, costing taxpayers billions. Shabana has surrendered."
Parallel societies and future policy
The Tory borders chief admitted too many migrants have moved to the UK and taken "low-skill jobs" or claimed benefits. The huge number of arrivals during such a short amount of time has highlighted fears over a lack of integration.
Mr Philp said: "Completely parallel societies have developed in some places, which is deeply divisive."
"So the next Conservative government will introduce binding annual caps on legal migration at very low levels. A limited number of genuinely high-skilled workers: yes. We recognise and value the contribution they make. But we cannot have huge numbers on low wages or no wages."
"It is bad for the economy, and it is bad for social cohesion. So mass migration must end."
