The Daily Telegraph reports that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, urged by Conservative MPs and cabinet members, is contemplating tougher visa restrictions for international NHS and care workers to honor the party's promise of reducing immigration. A proposed five-point plan by Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, supported by the New Conservative group, includes stringent measures such as preventing students from remaining in the UK post-graduation and restricting family reunifications for migrants. These measures, once avoided for fear of economic consequences, are now being considered due to alarming new immigration statistics.
According to The Times, Jenrick's plan may soon be announced by Sunak, reflecting a significant policy shift in response to mounting concerns over immigration numbers' impact on public services and the economy.
The Daily Mail focuses on former Home Secretary Suella Braverman's call to action in response to the latest immigration figures, which she claims put unsustainable pressures on services like housing and the NHS.
While the Daily Express suggests that immigration could be spiraling beyond control, the Daily Mirror criticizes the Conservative government for various failures, including immigration, economic issues, and the handling of the
Covid pandemic.
In other news, the Financial Times has covered the conviction of Lawrence Jones, a high-profile tech entrepreneur, for committing serious sexual offenses, including rape and assault, spanning from the 1990s to more recent years during his tenure at UKFast.
The Guardian reveals that King Charles III profits from the estates of individuals who die intestate or without identifiable heirs in certain regions, tracing back to age-old feudal practices. These assets contribute to the Duchy of Lancaster, with the suggestion that some proceeds are allocated to renovate the King's properties, notwithstanding the Duchy's position that leftover funds are donated to charity.
Lastly, The Daily Telegraph hints at a possible early Budget announcement, raising speculations about a snap general election. While some in the Treasury are purportedly considering an earlier budget to allow for pre-election tax cuts, official sources maintain that plans for a March budget are still in place.