Immigration under Labour

Article

This collection of essays, which draws together contributions from people who worked on immigration during the Blair-Brown years -- both inside and outside government -- sets out to answer why the issue caused such problems for Labour.

In the main, it is a set of reflections on a historical period, but the authors also seek to draw lessons for the future.

In its famous five pledges, first made before the 1997 general election and updated in 2001, New Labour told the British people how it wanted to change the UK. The focus was on education, health, crime, youth unemployment and sound economic management.

By 2005, a sixth pledge was added, in a new policy area: 'Your country's borders protected.' It represented a belated recognition among the party hierarchy of an issue that had loomed large over Labour's years in government: immigration.

Related items

  1. People walking in Oxford street, London

    The democratic citizen: Renewing citizenship and the public domain

    Britain’s debate about ‘citizenship’ has narrowed to a question of the boundaries of our national community.
  2. A form with the title 'UK Visa Application' sits on a desk next to a passport in a union jack cover

    The British business investment visa: A new model for investment migration in the UK

     We recommend a new approach to investment migration in the UK focussed on maximising economic benefits and minimising the risks of abuse.
  3. A group of primary school aged children using ipads around a table, a little girl smiles at the camera

    "Primary is what comes first": How end of key stage 2 exams impact disadvantaged children

    End of primary school tests need reform to work better for the children who need the most support at school.