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. A row of international flags flying in the breeze outside a building in Paris on a sunny day

    Diversifying diplomacy: UK strategy in a fragmenting world

    How the UK might build more durable international partnerships in energy, defence and technology.
  2. A 'To Let' sign outside a row of houses on a residential street, UK

    High housing costs in the private rental sector: The case for action

    45 per cent of all private renters in the UK have unaffordable rents. It's time for the government to act to limit rent increases.
  3. A wide shot of several large commercial vessels, including oil tankers and a survey boat, floating on turquoise water. In the background, an industrial shoreline with numerous smokestacks and refinery infrastructure is visible under a cloudy sky. Concept of global logistics, maritime industry, and international trade.

    Price caps and economic stability: How to manage the Iran war energy shock?

    The Iran war energy shock will impose significant costs on the UK economy, even if the government does not offer a universal support package.