Does the Labour party want open borders?

23 June 2024

Today, on Sky’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Conservative politician Robert Jenrick said: “we know [the Labour party] believe in open borders”. 

We’ve asked Mr Jenrick exactly what he meant here, as the contents of Labour’s 2024 manifesto don’t appear to support his claim. 

In its manifesto, Labour pledged to “reduce net migration”. It also makes other references to controls around migration: 

  • “The overall level must be properly controlled and managed.”
  • “We will reform the points-based immigration system so that it is fair and properly managed, with appropriate restrictions on visas.”
  • (On refugee settlement schemes) “The system needs to be controlled and managed and we need strong borders.” 
  • (On small boats crossing the Channel) “We will create a new Border Security Command” and “Labour will set up a new returns and enforcement unit…to fast-track removals to safe countries for people who do not have the right to stay here.” 

We’ve contacted the Conservatives about Mr Jenrick’s claim and will publish an update to our blog if they respond.

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