UK migration bombshell as Indian MP makes telling remark about Keir Starmer deal

An Indian MP has snubbed a question over how many skilled workers could arrive in the UK from following the agreement of a . The Express questioned Ravi Shankar Prasad from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who was part of a visiting delegation at India House in London, over the numbers this morning, also asking whether he thought it was fair that Indians would be exempt from paying for three years while Brits kept forking out. He said: "Let the deal [become] public."

Mr Prasad added that India is "really excited" about the pact, and it "shows the depth of our relationship". After the briefing was over, he was pressed over the arrangements further, and said: "I can only tell you it was both way traffic, we're very happy. England is happy. The political establishments of both the countries are very happy."

When asked how many people could come to Britain for work, Indian National Congress MP, Dr. Amar Singh said: "That figure cannot be decided just now.

"Let the final draft come out, then all the countries will calculate on this.

"It's very difficult to calculate like this."

Reform MP Lee Anderson said: "Starmer's India trade deal is great for thousands of workers - Indian workers. Meanwhile, he has undercut, sidelined, and betrayed the hard working British taxpayer.

"As ordinary Britons face rising taxes and UK employers are hit with higher national insurance costs, Indian workers are being given a free pass. We should not be surprised when thousands more move here.

"This is another example of out-of-touch politicians failing to see the results of their actions. You'd think our leaders pledge allegiance to any country but our own."

Before the media asked questions, Mr Prasad opened the meeting by saying that India was the world's fourth largest economy, highlighting its growing services, manufacturing and space sectors.

Immigration law experts at Mak25 London say the deal will streamline the approach to Global Talent Mobility Visas for skilled professionals, and reduce bureaucracy and red tape for Skilled Worker Visa access.

The government hailed the agreement on May 6 as a "huge economic win", as India will remove or reduce tariffs, or pre-existing zero tariffs, on 90% tariff lines, which will cover 92% of existing goods imports from the UK, based on 2022 trade, ministers say.

Global law firm has emphasised that the deal will need to be ratified by both countries, and is unlikely to be implemented before 2026.

After announcing the deal, Sir Keir Starmer dismissed criticism of tax exemptions from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch as "incoherent nonsense", insisting that the agreement was a "huge win" for Britons.

He added: "Through this government's stable and pragmatic leadership, the UK has become an attractive place to do business. Today we have agreed a landmark deal with India - one of the fastest growing economies in the world, which will grow the economy and deliver for British people and business."