Our ‘principles’ are not foundational philosophical positions but rather axioms that could guide a realistic but values-based approach to policymaking, and they suggest tests that could be applied to judge the success of migration policy from a progressive perspective.

The principles fall into three categories:

Foundations for a fair and democratic migration policy

• Establish clear democratic accountability for migration policy
• Ensure that migration policy and its implementation are governed by the rule of law
• Put human rights and equality at the heart of policymaking
• Focus on delivery and competence – for its own sake, and for public confidence.

Progressive objectives for migration policy

• Measure what can be measured – policy should aim to increase net economic and fiscal benefits
• Take account of what is less easily measured, but still crucial – cultural and social costs and benefits
• Remember that distribution matters – avoid policies which exacerbate inequality, and manage the impacts of migration on vulnerable groups and communities
• Look beyond the UK – seek to increase net benefits in developing countries.

Realism about outcomes

• Accept that numbers matter – the pace and pattern of migration flows are important
• Be realistic – understand what governments can and can’t control, and don’t make promises that can’t be kept.