Starmer's Anti-Migrant Summit

Since assuming power, the Labour government in the UK has aggressively pursued anti-immigrant policies, surpassing even the Conservative Party and the far-right Reform UK in its hostility towards migrants. A central pillar of this strategy is the introduction of new biometric ID cards for all temporary migrants, including those seeking asylum, backed by an initial investment of £500 million. These cards, containing facial recognition data, fingerprints, and other personal information, will be required for access to employment, housing, healthcare, and banking services. The government claims the cards aim to prevent illegal employment and access to public services, but critics argue they will primarily serve to expand surveillance, discriminate against migrants, and ultimately reduce net migration. The biometric data will be shared across government departments, facilitating tracking and enforcement. Experts warn the system is prone to errors and could lead to wrongful denial of services. Beyond the ID cards, Labour is implementing policies to restrict family reunification and increase deportations. They plan to expand detention capacity and fast-track asylum claims from certain countries deemed "safe." These measures are presented as a necessary response to public concerns about immigration and pressure from the right-wing opposition, but critics view them as a capitulation to xenophobia and a betrayal of Labour's traditional values. The article paints a picture of a Labour government actively cultivating an anti-immigrant environment. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/07/wuka-a07.html