The struggle continues to shape the national agenda as immigration remains a central issue in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken a decisive step toward a tougher stance, signaling a new direction in policy. The Conservative National Conference, a three‑day annual gathering in London hosted by the Edmund Burke Foundation, drew attendees from across the political spectrum, including prominent figures from the government and international voices such as Donald Trump, underscoring the enduring push toward stricter controls on migration.
Among the participants was Home Secretary Suella Braverman, a leading voice from the party’s hard wing. She has warned about rising net migration and the need to differentiate between those leaving and those entering the country. Government estimates show that the total number of immigrants arriving in the UK in 2022 surpassed 650,000, a figure that highlights the tension between Conservative promises from the 2019 campaign and the reality on the ground.
The hard-wing faction calls for greater executive leverage as the party prepares for any potential post‑election shift.
pressure on the altar
Leaders in this faction insist on lowering immigration totals while acknowledging the government’s priority to curb irregular crossings via the English Channel. They also argue for tighter requirements for legal entry channels, stressing the need to train and employ people in roles like transport, butchery, and agriculture while prioritizing British workers.
Their rhetoric centers on the controversial law on illegal immigration that enables detention and deportation to third countries, such as Rwanda. Yet the prime minister has been careful in articulating a stance on legal arrivals, recognizing that many migrants are necessary to address workforce shortages in sectors like construction and farming.
reduce the numbers
Asked en route to the G7 summit about net migration, Sunak acknowledged the goal of lowering record numbers but avoided committing to a specific target. He emphasized that the public mainly prioritizes stopping boats crossing the Channel and halting illegal entry, while also noting that legal arrivals must be managed in light of economic conditions and national needs.
The rationale for higher legal arrivals largely rests on visas issued to thousands of Ukrainian refugees. He suggested that reductions would depend on how the economy evolves and the broader circumstances facing the country at any given moment.
Support for a pragmatic approach comes from other cabinet members, including the Chancellor and senior education ministers, who stress that immigration must help sustain the UK economy as the country faces recession risks and persistent inflation. The dialogue highlights a balance between security concerns and the practical needs of a modern labor market.
possible relief
As Sunak faces the next election, unity within the Conservative Party is tested. Braverman and other hard-wing figures push to reinforce hard lines, while the Prime Minister seeks to avoid electoral shocks that could follow local results where the Conservatives shed thousands of council seats. The gap between traditional party strength and current polling remains a defining challenge for the leadership.
The trajectory for immigration policy will depend on the Prime Minister’s ability to secure consensus within the party. A spokesperson for the leadership hinted at continued emphasis on reform, with some members considering leadership pathways if the party faces sustained electoral pressure. Sunak has repeatedly signaled resolve, insisting that progress will continue as the government navigates a difficult political and economic landscape.