Decreasing migration could hurt the UK economy

This article appeared as part of the Daily Sensemaker newsletter – one story a day to make sense of the world. To receive it in your inbox, featuring content exclusive to the newsletter, sign up for free here.

With a leadership challenge looming, Keir Starmer has started highlighting the huge recent drop in net migration to the UK. Although this downward trend may play well with voters leaning towards Reform, it could also have adverse effects on the economy. A report from the Migration Advisory Committee has found that high-earning migrants with salaries of over £125,000, and who contribute the most to the public purse, are the most likely group to leave the UK. It also said that proposed restrictions on settled status may deter skilled migrants from coming in the first place. This is because they can find jobs in countries with better terms for new arrivals.