Is Immigration Policy a Threat to London’s Prosperity?
London First and the London Enterprise Panel have recently published a report warning that current approaches to immigration within the UK could prove to be costly to London and the rest of the UK.
The report, ‘London 2036: An Agenda for Jobs and Growth’ proposes a number of actions and measures that will help to ensure London’s economic prosperity and allow it to remain competitive on a global scale.
It describes three core themes related to achieving successful economic growth, which are:
- “cementing London’s existing strengths as the world’s leading economic and business hub;
- fuelling more diverse growth by capitalising on the city’s strengths in tech and creativity;
- addressing the challenges to London’s basic foundations.”
The report also highlights the major obstacles that could prevent London from achieving these aims, including the UK’s openness and attitude to immigration and the country’s relationship with the rest of the EU. The report expresses concerns that unless these attitudes and views change, the country is at risk of deterring vital overseas investment and business, as well as students, skilled workers and visitors from other countries.
The report highlights the particular risk facing the tech sector, in the form of a shortage of UK workers with the necessary skills.
“The extraordinary rise of the capital’s technology sector will only continue if key obstacles around talent, infrastructure and funding are addressed,” commented Russ Shaw, Tech London Advocates.
“With the private and public sector working together I am confident London has the appetite and capability to continue its success,” he added.
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