Suella Braverman, Britain’s Indian-origin Home Secretary, delivered a stern warning against “unsustainable” mass and rapid migration into the country, urging action to reduce growing migrant numbers. Speaking at the National Conservatism Conference in London, Braverman called on her governing Conservative Party to renew its commitment to lower immigration levels.
The Cabinet minister, known for her support of Brexit, emphasized the need for the UK to train more domestic workers to decrease reliance on foreign labor. Braverman stated that mass and rapid migration pose challenges to housing supply, public services, and community relations, and addressing these concerns is not xenophobic but essential.
While acknowledging that controlling illegal migration is a priority, particularly in the English Channel, she stressed the significance of managing legal migration as well. Braverman, of Goan and Tamil heritage, highlighted her parents’ experience of coming to the UK through legal and controlled migration, emphasizing that individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds can make arguments against mass migration without criticism.
She argued against unchecked multiculturalism and identity politics, cautioning that these approaches, without a focus on integration, can lead to communal discord. Braverman emphasized that immigration and integration must go hand in hand for a successful shared project.
Braverman declared her support for Brexit, expressing her desire for Britain to regain control over migration policies and have a say in what works for the country. While acknowledging the importance of high-skilled workers for economic growth and addressing labor shortages, she called for a reduction in overall immigration numbers. Braverman proposed investing in training programs for professions such as truck drivers, butchers, builders, and fruit pickers to decrease reliance on migrant workers.
Her speech is seen as increasing pressure on British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to prioritize reducing net migration, which has remained above half a million people per year since Brexit. Sunak’s “Stop the Boats” pledge to curb illegal migration is considered one of his key priorities ahead of an anticipated general election in the second half of next year.
The government’s Illegal Migration Bill, currently in Parliament, aims to detain and promptly remove individuals who enter the UK without permission to their home country or a third country like Rwanda. However, the bill has faced criticism for some of its controversial provisions.