The debate in the lead-up to the ‘Brexit’ referendum was dominated by immigration. One of the iconic images of the referendum was UKIP’s ‘Breaking Point’ poster, which blamed the arrival of immigrants on the UK’s membership of the EU. Almost two years since the referendum and in the midst of negotiations, this Policy Dialogue examined the claim that leaving the Union means ‘taking back control’ of immigration. The debate focused on the reality facing post-Brexit UK with regard to both regular and irregular third country national (non-EU) immigration. Speakers discussed the UK’s ability to attract skilled and unskilled labour once it leaves the EU, its capacity to live up to its responsibility to provide international protection to those in need and what its new border control strategy will look like.

Speakers included: Jean Lambert, Member of the European Parliament, Colin Yeo, Barrister; Founder and Author at Free Movement Immigration Law Blog.