It’s common sense – Starmer reveals what migrants must do to live in the UK

UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a discriminatory English Test post that bars migrants in a chaotic border crackdown.

In a bold move to reshape Britain’s immigration system, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that speaking English is a non-negotiable requirement for migrants seeking to live in the UK. 

Starmer on migrants

The announcement, made via a post on his official X account on Monday, has sparked heated debate, with the PM calling it “common sense” despite critics warning of exclusionary consequences.

“If you want to live in the UK, you should speak English. That’s common sense,” Starmer wrote. “So we’re raising English language requirements across every main immigration route.” 

The policy, part of Labour’s broader immigration overhaul unveiled in a White Paper this week, aims to foster integration and reduce strain on public services. 

It applies to skilled workers, family dependents, and students, marking a drastic tightening of entry rules.

The reforms come as Starmer seeks to curb net migration, which hit nearly one million annually under the previous government. 

Alongside stricter language tests, the White Paper extends residency for settlement from five to ten years and cuts 50,000 low-skilled visas. 

The government also plans to deport foreign criminals and bolster border security to tackle Channel crossings, with 5,000 small boat arrivals recorded this year.

Supporters argue the language requirement will promote cohesion. “It’s about building communities, not division,” said Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. 

However, critics, including Labour’s left wing, slam the policy as discriminatory, arguing it could bar vulnerable migrants, such as refugees, from settling. 

Businesses fear further strain on sectors like social care, already hit by visa cuts.

With public opinion split, Starmer’s “common sense” approach risks alienating allies while fueling tensions over Britain’s identity and borders.