In the latest episode of Reuters’ On Assignment podcast, reporter Andrew Gray explores how left-of-centre governments across Europe are embracing stricter immigration controls—and places Britain’s Labour administration at the heart of the trend. The programme highlights this week’s UK proposals to double the residence period for settlement, clamp down on asylum seekers arriving by small boat, and restrict welfare access.
Interviewees note that the reforms draw heavily on Denmark’s Social Democratic model, which links permanent residence to years worked, language proficiency and zero benefit claims. Political analysts tell Reuters that Labour’s pivot is a direct response to the surging Reform UK party, now polling at 17 per cent.
![Reuters podcast: Britain’s Labour party joins Europe’s ‘tougher line’ club on immigration]()
From a business-mobility perspective, the podcast underscores a widening policy divergence within Europe. While France is experimenting with a talent-visa points boost for care workers, and Germany has relaxed its Opportunity Card, the UK is tightening across the board. Mobility leaders operating pan-European assignments may therefore need to reassess regional rotation plans and salary benchmarks.
The episode also flags the risk that the UK’s new settlement regime could reduce family-reunion rights, making London postings less attractive for mid-career professionals compared with Dublin or Amsterdam. HR teams are advised to monitor the consultation timeline and prepare talking points for employees concerned about long-term status.
Reuters notes that a formal bill is expected in early 2026, with Labour confident of passing the measures swiftly thanks to its large parliamentary majority.
Interviewees note that the reforms draw heavily on Denmark’s Social Democratic model, which links permanent residence to years worked, language proficiency and zero benefit claims. Political analysts tell Reuters that Labour’s pivot is a direct response to the surging Reform UK party, now polling at 17 per cent.
From a business-mobility perspective, the podcast underscores a widening policy divergence within Europe. While France is experimenting with a talent-visa points boost for care workers, and Germany has relaxed its Opportunity Card, the UK is tightening across the board. Mobility leaders operating pan-European assignments may therefore need to reassess regional rotation plans and salary benchmarks.
The episode also flags the risk that the UK’s new settlement regime could reduce family-reunion rights, making London postings less attractive for mid-career professionals compared with Dublin or Amsterdam. HR teams are advised to monitor the consultation timeline and prepare talking points for employees concerned about long-term status.
Reuters notes that a formal bill is expected in early 2026, with Labour confident of passing the measures swiftly thanks to its large parliamentary majority.
