During a gathering in Rome, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a stark warning about the possibility of waves of illegal migration surrounding Europe if governments do not adopt stricter policies. The report, drawing from a briefing in Rome, notes that Sunak highlighted the need for tougher international rules governing refugees in conversations with Italian conservative leaders.
Sunak conveyed that without decisive action, the influx could grow substantially and place a heavy burden on European nations. He described a scenario in which many newcomers would place increasing demands on public services and housing, stressing the importance of coherent, enforceable immigration policies across borders.
The Prime Minister pointed to the level of immigration into England as a pressing concern. He argued that London should persist with measures aimed at reducing legal immigration while maintaining safeguards for the economy and society. His comments reflect a broader perspective on how the United Kingdom manages its own immigration system, balancing humanitarian commitments with national interests.
Attention was drawn to a policy decree connected to the education of foreign students in England. As part of a set of rules implemented in January 2024, foreign students who come to study will face restrictions on bringing relatives to reside in the country during their study period. This policy, announced amid ongoing discussions about migration and higher education, signals the government’s intent to regulate the social and demographic impact of international students. Official figures indicate that around 745,000 foreign nationals entered the United Kingdom in 2022, underscoring the scale of international mobility and its relevance to policy decisions.
Sunak’s remarks followed a year characterized by his earlier assessments, which were described in attached briefings as reaching a notable low in terms public perception and policy reception. The comments reflect a continuing effort to frame immigration as a central issue in national and regional politics, prompting discussions about security, economic continuity, and social cohesion across the United Kingdom and Europe as a whole.