UK think tank wants govt to learn from Canada & Australia, introduce immigration targets

A think tank closely associated with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's Labour administration has proposed a structured framework for managing immigration. The group, Labour Together, has called for the introduction of "long-term targets" to regulate immigration levels, alongside an "emergency brake" mechanism to curb inflows when necessary.

The think tank’s report suggests that the UK adopt an Australian-style approach, with detailed forecasts for immigration levels and caps for specific visa categories. The proposal aims to balance reducing immigration numbers while addressing economic needs. Labour Together highlighted that this strategy would provide a clear, credible plan for sustained reductions in immigration.

The call for targets follows a record-breaking net migration figure of 906,000 for the year ending June 2023, as reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Although recent government measures, such as visa restrictions for international students and healthcare workers’ dependents, have reduced the figure to 728,000 in the year ending June 2024, it remains high by historical standards.


Labour Together dismissed previous migration caps as impractical, criticizing their inability to account for fluctuating economic needs. Instead, the think tank recommends setting targets by visa categories, considering labor shortages, humanitarian needs, and the impact on housing and public services.

"If businesses genuinely need skilled workers for roles the UK labor market cannot fulfill, they will get them," the report stated, cautioning against "unregulated labor markets."

Government's stance
Prime Minister Starmer has rejected arbitrary caps on migration, emphasizing the need for a practical and adaptable approach. "The British public want a serious plan to ensure we’ve got control of our borders, not arbitrary caps, not gimmicks," he said. However, migration control remains absent from the six key milestones against which Starmer has asked the public to judge his administration.

In contrast, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged a "strict numerical cap" on migration if her party regains power. She criticized Labour’s proposals, advocating for transparency in migration data and decision-making.

While the proposed system offers greater clarity and public accountability, experts have raised concerns about its feasibility. Experts have warned that sudden reductions in skilled migration could harm the economy.

Labour Together acknowledged these complexities, advocating for regular parliamentary reviews to adjust targets as needed. "This plan allows for a balanced approach to migration policy, ensuring economic priorities are met while maintaining control over inflows," the report concluded.

How the plan compares with Canada and Australia
Labour Together’s proposal for the UK to adopt immigration targets closely mirrors the structured systems in Canada and Australia, both of which focus on balancing economic needs with societal goals. However, there are key differences in execution and scope.

Australia operates an annual migration program with specific caps for skilled, family, and humanitarian visa categories. Skilled migration is prioritized to address labor shortages, with the flexibility to adjust quotas based on economic demand. Additionally, Australia uses annual forecasts for net migration rather than rigid targets, allowing adaptability to changing circumstances.

Canada, on the other hand, takes a long-term approach, setting multi-year immigration targets aimed at welcoming 500,000 new residents annually by 2025. The country emphasizes skilled immigration through programs like Express Entry and also incorporates regional input through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). This regional customization enables provinces to attract migrants tailored to local labor market needs.

The UK’s proposed system focuses on numerical targets by visa categories and introduces an “emergency brake” mechanism to curb inflows if numbers exceed expectations. Unlike Canada and Australia, the UK has no provincial involvement or multi-year plans.

While Labour Together’s plan aligns with Canada and Australia in prioritizing economic needs, it requires further development to match their structured and transparent immigration frameworks.