British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that net migration to the United Kingdom will be significantly reduced by 2029, as part of a new government plan to develop the skills and professional qualifications of the British workforce, reports "Reuters"
"This is a white paper that addresses the weak point of the economy - skills and training. "One of the reasons for the slow growth is the chronic underfunding of skills," Starmer said in the new policies.
The Labour government, facing growing public and political pressure over migration levels, has emphasised the need to develop domestic labour capacity, particularly in sectors that have so far relied on workers from abroad.
Starmer's pledge comes amid fresh victories for the right-wing Reform UK party, which won majorities in several local councils and a seat in parliament in recent by-elections. Nigel Farage's party is putting pressure on the government from the right, demanding tougher immigration measures and clear commitments on national identity and security.
After coming to power on a moderate and pragmatic platform, Labour is seeking to balance economic needs and public expectations, promising both to control migration and to prevent labour shortages in key sectors such as health and construction.
Starmer and his team say the long-term solution is not to close the borders but to invest in local potential - through skills, reskilling and training incentives. At the same time, the government is under pressure to demonstrate concrete results, especially after record levels of net migration in recent years.