Robert Jenrick Pressures No. 10 with Personal Plan to Reduce Migration

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has proposed measures to reduce UK immigration, which are currently under consideration at Downing Street. These proposals include a £35,000 minimum salary requirement for work visa eligibility, a move backed by some Conservative MPs seeking tougher action on immigration. The government acknowledges that immigration numbers are excessive and aims to lower them through various tactics, such as limiting dependents of international students.

Jenrick is pushing for more stringent policies, like barring health and care workers from bringing dependents and imposing a visa cap in social care though this might face opposition from the health sector due to staffing deficits. Moreover, Jenrick advocates for eliminating the Shortage Occupation List, which is supported by the Migration Advisory Committee.

Under increasing pressure from his Conservative peers, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being urged to lessen immigration. Ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman proposed an annual net migration cap and a higher salary threshold for non-healthcare jobs before her removal from office. After her departure, Jenrick presented a refined version of their collaborative proposals to the Prime Minister.

The issue of immigration is critical for Conservatives, with the New Conservatives faction deeming it pivotal for the party's survival. Labour's Sir Keir Starmer critiqued the high net migration as symptomatic of broader policy failures.

Although recent statistics indicate a potential slowdown in net migration, with the majority being non-EU students, the government has not yet responded officially to Jenrick's proposals.