The UK government announced its commitment to providing 45,000 visas for seasonal workers in the agricultural sector next year despite internal pressure within the ruling Conservative party to curb immigration.
British media estimates indicate that net migration is gradually increasing and is expected to reach a record high this year, following a decline during the pandemic.
The release of official data later this month will provide confirmation for these estimations.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman asserted during a conference in London that there was “no good reason” to resist this strategy because Britain could educate its own lorry drivers and fruit pickers, decreasing the need for immigration.
Downing Street Defends Decision to Continue Granting Seasonal Worker Visas
However, Downing Street defended the choice to keep issuing seasonal worker visas, pointing out that the current regulations offer flexibility to modify the system in accordance with UK needs.
They also emphasized the country’s historically low employment rate.
In addition to allocating visas, the government introduced a series of initiatives to support the agricultural sector, which has faced significant challenges due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and increased costs resulting from the crisis in Ukraine.
These difficulties also affected the prices of fertilizers, feed, fuel, and electricity.
Brexit-related stricter immigration laws and the elimination of free movement among EU member states have made it harder for British agriculture, which has historically relied on labor from the EU bloc, to find staff.
Imported agricultural goods also challenged Agribusiness.
Importance of British Farming
Recognizing the importance of British farming and produce, the government promised to prioritise new export prospects and secure stronger protections for farmers in future trade deals in advance of the UK Farm to Fork Summit, which Downing Street will host on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
In an open letter to British farmers, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his commitment to the agricultural industry and emphasized the need to support British agriculture and produce, while also understanding that some farmers may have felt this way in the past.
The government announced subsidies totaling more than £168 million (or roughly 193 million euros) last February to aid farmers in advancing cutting-edge farming techniques and new technologies.
Also Read: FM Bilawal Launches ‘Share Pakistan Portal’
