Labour says it has a plan to cut net migration. The truth will come with action

Editorial: Sir Keir Starmer has laid out his policy but with no timeframe or numerical target attached

Sir Keir Starmer holds a card detailing his policy priorities at the launch of the Labour Party election campaign battlebus in Uxbridge (Getty)

Immigration was always going to be a key part of this election. Rushi Sunak had made cutting net migration figures a core pledge of his time in office, with his pledges to “stop the boats” of migrants and asylum seekers crossing the Channel and the planned flights to Rwanda.

However, the prime minister himself has admitted no Rwanda flights will take place before the election – one in which his party sits significantly behind in the polls, and there has been no stop to the boats. Net migration still stands at 685,000, having risen markedly in recent years.

This has left an opportunity for Labour. And there is little doubt that Sir Keir Starmer is seeking to appeal to traditional Conservative voters with his pledge to cut that number down significantly. It is clear that the system needs reform, but how it is done is the key.

The Independent has frequently called for an immigration system that treats people with dignity – something recent Conservative policies seem to have forgotten. But we also need a system that works. Beyond the questionable morality of the Rwanda plan, our main objection to it is that it would not work: it cannot plausibly deter migrants from crossing the Channel in small boats.

Sir Keir’s plan is to introduce new laws to train British workers to plug skills gaps in the job market and strengthen anti-exploitation laws, On the Sunday morning politics shows, shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said Labour wanted to see “significant changes in place” across the economy to reduce reliance on overseas workers. Both Ms Cooper and Sir Keir refused to put a number target on any decrease – having seen what a millstone it has been around the neck of various Conservative prime ministers.

There has also been no timeframe put on the pledge. But voters will want to see concrete action if the Labour leader enters 10 Downing Street, as current polling suggests. Some of Mr Sunak’s flagship policies, including the Rwanda flights, have become more notional than practical – and the electorate will expect that not to be the case under a new government.

There may be those who believe that Labour could be doing no worse than Mr Sunak’s government at dealing with the issue of immigration, but Sir Keir should know that does not mean his party will be given a free pass if they take power. Pledges during an election campaign will be monitored – not least by some within Sir Keir’s party who will not want the party tracking to the right – and there will be a need for a clear policy with a timeframe to match.

There will be tough decisions to be made – there always will be on issues such as this – but Labour must also be sure not to drift into heartlessness. The Independent has reported on numerous cases where the current system has not met that bar.

It has been clear for some time that the immigration system needs reform. What the country needs is clarity, transparency and well-defined action that does not stray into callousness.