
Economist Podcasts Flee country: Britain seeks to slash migration
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Nov 21, 2025 Joel Budd, Social Affairs Editor at The Economist, discusses significant changes in Britain's immigration and asylum policies spearheaded by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. He outlines Labour's proposed reforms inspired by Denmark, focusing on new visa terms and the impact on low-paid migrants. Budd examines the driving forces behind this shift, including political pressures and social tensions. Plus, get insights into the recent military balloon developments, highlighting their surveillance uses and challenges.
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Temporary Protection To Calm Voters
- Labour's new immigration rules shift Britain toward temporary protection and much-delayed pathways to citizenship for many migrants.
- Joel Budd argues this aims to calm public fears and blunt support for Reform UK but risks importing poorer integration outcomes like Denmark's.
Negative Nation Branding Works—Sometimes
- Denmark's 'negative nation branding' deliberately signals unwelcomeness to deter asylum seekers and did reduce claims there.
- The UK hopes to replicate that deterrent effect by adopting similar harsh measures.
Worker Visas Made Less Attractive
- Changes to regular work and study visas aim to make Britain less attractive to lower-paid migrants by withholding permanent residency longer.
- Budd expects visa applications to fall because prospective migrants make considered choices based on such rules.




