The Shadow Home Secretary has called on businesses in the UK to focus on automation rather than depending on low-paid migrant workers. Conservative MP Chris Philp emphasized the importance of investing in technology to help reduce the country’s net migration numbers. He pointed to other nations as examples of how automation can drive growth without relying heavily on migrant labor.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Philp highlighted how countries like Australia and New Zealand have introduced robotic equipment for agricultural tasks, such as fruit and vegetable picking. Similarly, South Korea is leading in automation, using nine times more robots in manufacturing processes than the UK. The United States, he noted, has embraced modular construction methods to improve efficiency.
Philp urged British industries to follow these examples. He argued that using advanced technology in sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing could address labor shortages while reducing reliance on low-wage workers from abroad.
At the same time, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch acknowledged her party’s missteps on immigration policies. She promised to review all legal frameworks connected to migration, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act.
Badenoch stressed her party’s commitment to deterring irregular migration but did not confirm whether they would bring back the controversial Rwanda scheme, which Labour recently scrapped. Philp, however, criticized Labour for canceling the scheme and expressed support for its reinstatement, calling it a key deterrent against illegal migration.
The Conservatives are also planning to introduce a strict numerical cap on migration. While Philp did not provide an exact target, he stated that the current net migration figure of 350,000 is “much too high.” He emphasized the need to better evaluate how many high-skilled workers and legitimate students are required for the UK’s economy.
Philp also criticized the misuse of student visas as a “parallel migration system” and promised that the Conservatives would examine other areas, such as migrants’ eligibility for benefits.
This renewed focus on migration comes as both major political parties face pressure to balance the economic benefits of migration with public concerns over rising immigration levels. Critics argue that automation alone may not solve all labor shortages, particularly in sectors requiring human flexibility and creativity. However, proponents believe that investing in technology is a sustainable long-term solution to reduce dependence on migrant labor.
As the UK debates its future immigration policies, Philp’s call for automation raises questions about how technology and migration policies can align to meet economic and social needs.