Starmer Launches Immigration Crackdown Ahead Election Against Farage

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to launch a major immigration crackdown aimed at reducing the UK's reliance on foreign labor by implementing stricter visa requirements, including higher qualifications and improved English language skills. This move follows significant gains by Nigel Farage's Reform UK party in recent local elections, which have rattled Labour and Tory MPs alike and positioned Reform as a key competitor. Starmer has publicly declared the Conservative Party a "busted flush" and anticipates the next general election to be a direct contest between himself and Farage. While Starmer's earlier leadership campaign had supported freedom of movement and migration benefits, his current stance emphasizes tighter immigration controls to address record net migration figures. Meanwhile, union leaders express concern over Reform UK's growing appeal among traditional Labour voters and its plans to implement cost-cutting measures impacting council workers. Labour's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to unveil detailed policy changes including strict time limits and recruitment restrictions for jobs with critical skill shortages, alongside employer requirements to train UK workers, reflecting the government's intent to bolster domestic employment.