Atta Haq
Immigration remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Britain. Illegal Channel crossings, pressure on public services, economic uncertainty and concerns about community safety have all intensified public debate. Meeting these challenges takes firm leadership, practical policy and international cooperation, not political blame or empty promises. Under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Labour is offering exactly that.
The Prime Minister’s address at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool was candid, confident and refreshingly honest. He acknowledged that Brexit has not delivered the control over immigration and the economy that the British people were promised. Many leaders would have avoided that admission. Andy Burnham made it plainly, and then set out how his government intends to move forward: by building a more constructive relationship with our European partners.
That pragmatism is what the moment demands. Border security cannot be achieved through domestic enforcement alone. Intelligence-sharing, close cooperation with European governments and coordinated action against criminal smuggling networks are essential, and the Prime Minister’s willingness to reset Britain’s relationship with Europe is both sensible and overdue. It strengthens our borders and our economy together.
It is also worth remembering that this crisis did not begin overnight. Successive governments struggled to build an effective system, and the previous Conservative administration, particularly under Boris Johnson, left behind serious questions over its immigration promises and outcomes. Labour inherited these problems, and it is wrong to blame the present government for every longstanding failure.
Even so, the Labour Government is making progress. The Prime Minister told conference of reductions in both small-boat arrivals and net migration. These are real achievements and they deserve recognition. As with any lasting reform, the gains should continue to be confirmed through independently verified statistics, which will only strengthen public confidence in them.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been a standout voice in this effort. Her message has been determined and principled, placing fairness, responsibility and effective border control at the heart of Labour’s immigration agenda. Her commitment to dismantling people-smuggling networks, strengthening immigration procedures and developing controlled legal routes for genuine refugees shows an approach that balances enforcement with compassion. It is firm without being harsh, and fair without being naïve. Britain is fortunate to have a Home Secretary of her calibre and conviction.
The relationship between immigration, economic pressure and public safety deserves honest discussion. Unregulated migration places real strain on housing, asylum accommodation and local services, and criminal trafficking networks must be confronted decisively. But immigration and criminality should never be automatically linked without reliable evidence. Labour’s approach rightly rests on facts, not fear.
Equally, a confident immigration policy recognises what lawful migration gives to Britain. From the NHS and hospitality to education, entrepreneurship and public services, immigrant communities have helped build modern Britain. International students deserve a mention here too. They bring talent, ideas and global connections to our universities, support local economies and often go on to become ambassadors for Britain around the world. A well-managed system should keep welcoming them, alongside other skilled and lawful migrants. Their achievements should never be overshadowed by failures within the immigration system.
As Chairman of the Labour Asians Society, I believe that strong borders and an inclusive society are not contradictory ambitions. They are the essential foundations of a confident, fair and prosperous nation.
Labour has set out an approach built on restoring control, rebuilding public trust and strengthening international partnerships. With Andy Burnham and Shabana Mahmood leading the way, there is every reason for optimism. Success will rest on consistent delivery, accountability and fairness, and this government has shown the seriousness and resolve to achieve them.
Britain’s future must be built on secure borders, a stronger economy, respect for human rights and unity among its diverse communities. Labour has the leadership, the vision and the opportunity to deliver it.
