I’ll scrap salary thresholds for migrants to UK, vows Starmer
SIR KEIR Starmer has vowed to scrap salary thresholds for migrants coming to Britain if he becomes Labour leader.
The frontrunner in the race to replace Jeremy Corbyn said salary thresholds – which are set to be introduced under the Government’s post-Brexit immigration system – were not the “right measure for the worth of an individual coming to this country”.
Last week, the Home Office announced that it would introduce a points-based immigration system – with points awarded for key requirements like being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered to £25,600 for those coming to the UK with a job offer and there may be concessions for those earning no less than £20,480 as long as they still meet certain requirements or their occupation is short of staff.
Sir Keir told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The position the Government has just taken is completely wrong – where they
are equating the worth of an individual coming to this country by how much money they earn. I think that’s profoundly the wrong approach...
“I think the idea that if you don’t earn a certain salary you’re not bringing anything of any
Sir Keir Starmer, frontrunner to replace Jeremy Corbyn
worth to this country is offensive.” Asked if he would do away with salary thresholds, he replied: “I would – I do not think they are the right measure for the worth of an individual coming to this country.”
Sir Keir refused to be drawn on whether he would offer Mr Corbyn a frontbench role, telling Today: “I have not discussed the shadow cabinet with anybody.”
Last week Mr Corbyn said he would serve in his successor’s shadow cabinet if they asked him to. Leadership contender Rebecca Long-Bailey, the shadow business secretary, has previously suggested she would offer Mr Corbyn a job.
Labour members have started voting for Mr Corbyn’s successor who will be tasked with recovering the party from its catastrophic general election defeat.
The ballots began opening yesterday amid a largely cordial campaign between Sir Keir, Ms LongBailey and Lisa Nandy.
Members will also select a new deputy leader between Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Ian Murray, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan and Leeds MP Richard Burgon.
The position the Government has taken is completely wrong.