Boris Johnson calls for stricter immigration policies
Boris Johnson, the former UK Prime Minister, has stated that only migrants earning more than £40,000 should be allowed into the country. Johnson's remarks come as pressure mounts on his successor, Rishi Sunak, to address the record number of arrivals in the UK. Last year, approximately 745,000 people migrated to the country.
Increasing the salary threshold
Johnson is urging Sunak to increase the salary threshold for visa applicants, stating that the current minimum of £26,000 is too low. He argues that setting the threshold at £40,000 would be the best course of action, despite the potential impact on businesses that rely on cheap foreign labor.
Public concerns and political implications
Johnson emphasizes that rapid demographic changes due to high levels of immigration are not acceptable to the public, even in liberal countries like the UK. Sunak has acknowledged that current migration levels are too high and has called on the public to trust him in curbing the numbers. However, failure to address this issue could have political consequences for the Conservative Party, as voters overwhelmingly believe that immigration numbers are too high.
Delays in the Rwanda plan
Sunak's plan to salvage the Rwanda migration scheme has reportedly been delayed. The proposed treaty, which aims to establish a new agreement, is not expected to be ratified by Parliament until after Christmas. This delay has led to criticism from ex-Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel, who believes that the government should take immediate action to ensure the success of the scheme.
Overall, Johnson's call for stricter immigration policies and Sunak's attempts to address the issue reflect the ongoing public concern about high migration numbers in the UK. It remains to be seen how the government will respond and whether they will be able to deliver on their promises.
