Immigration white papers, 1965-2025

A white paper is a government document that proposes important policy changes, including new legislation. The attached briefing summarises seven white papers on immigration, asylum and citizenship issued over the past 60 years:

• Immigration from the Commonwealth, August 1965
• Proposals for revision of the immigration rules, November 1979
• British nationality law, July 1980
• Fairer, faster and firmer, July 1998
• Secure borders, safe haven, February 2002
• The UK’s future skills-based immigration system, December 2018
• Restoring control over the immigration system, May 2025

While the list provides a snapshot of issues that were important at different points in recent history, it is not a comprehensive survey of shifts in immigration policy. Many major changes were not preceded by a white paper.

The list of white papers is not necessarily complete. Suggestions for any omissions are welcome.