Labour believes in strong and protected borders – they are fundamental to Britain.

Within this framework, we are committed to continuing our proud history of welcoming legal migrants who can benefit Britain; and to a just asylum system which provides a safe haven for refugees.

We must continue to ensure that only those truly in need of refuge, or those who can contribute to the success of the nation, come to Britain.

How do we continue to develop a system of managed migration which benefits Britain?

Labour’s strategy is one of fairness and enforcing the rules. Our aim is an immigration system that is firm but fair, that delivers secure borders whilst meeting the needs of the nation’s economy.

Managed migration is good for Britain. The nation benefits economically and socially from increased investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. As well as filling gaps in our economy, migrants help us connect to the rest of the world, and the ability to hire workers from abroad makes the UK an attractive business proposition for firms.

We believe in making immigration work for Britain. In order to do so, we must ensure that the system is fair and commands public support and confidence. We need to ensure that immigration policy is set in the national interest, not just the interests of one part of Britain, and that migrants know about Britain’s way of life and play by the rules. The Government’s points-based system for immigration will ensure that only those who benefit Britain will be able to come here to work or study.

How do we continue to build a fair asylum system for Britain?

Our asylum system must command public confidence, protect the security of the United Kingdom, prevent abuse of our laws, and be fair to both the British public and those genuinely in need of asylum.

Ensuring our asylum system is fair is the key to commanding public support. Abuse of the asylum system undermines public confidence and we are determined to tackle it. We must acknowledge and respond to people’s genuine concerns while making the case for managed, legal migration and a continued commitment to providing shelter for those less fortunate than us.

Tackling false asylum claims required us to take forward our reforms to speed up the asylum and appeals process; remove the right of appeal in the UK for those in safe countries; and reform and strengthen visa regimes. Technology plays an increasing part in protection of our borders and we need to consider how we can best make use of it. Through new technology, particularly biometrics, and new approaches to managing risk and intelligence, we can create a new offshore line of defence, checking individuals as far from the UK as possible and through each stage of their journey.

Points to consider

• How do we continue to ensure that our immigration and asylum systems are fair and command the trust and support of the British people?
• What further action can we take to protect Britain’s borders from those not entitled to come here?
• How do we continue to ensure that Britain is best prepared for, and able to benefit from, global population shifts?
• What further action do we need to take against those who seek to exploit migrants – how do we continue to tackle both people trafficking and the illegal jobs, and rogue employers, at the end of the trail?
• How do we continue to ensure sanctuary for those genuinely in need of asylum?
• How do we best integrate into the British way of life those who arrive here legally?
• What more can we do at an international level to further improve Britain’s systems and co-ordinate a global response to what is a global issue?