Blair's Government Allowed Unrestricted Eastern European Migration

Newly released official files reveal that Tony Blair's Labour government proceeded with unrestricted migration from Eastern Europe in 2004 despite warnings from senior ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, about a potential surge in immigration. Home Secretary David Blunkett advocated for the policy, arguing the UK economy required the productivity of migrant labor, dismissing calls for transitional controls that other EU countries adopted. The UK initially anticipated only 5,000 to 13,000 migrants per year, but over a million arrived from eight new member states, leading to a significant increase in net migration. Officials expressed concern over this dramatic influx, with one noting they faced an 'elephant trap' regarding data transparency. Straw later acknowledged the lack of transitional controls as a 'spectacular mistake' that had long-term consequences, contributing to rising anti-EU sentiment and ultimately the Brexit vote. This situation underscored the tension between economic needs and social policy within the government at the time.