Karl Williams of the Centre for Policy Studies and economist Julian Jessop take a clear-eyed look at the politics and economics of migration. Two decades ago, the UK opened its doors to eastern Europe. A modest prediction of 13,000 arrivals became 1.5 million — a shift that continues to shape British politics. Now, with Reform UK on the rise, Labour is gambling that stricter immigration controls will steady the ship. But is it a calculated correction — or a political trap? Meanwhile, as Keir Starmer welcomes EU leaders to London, Downing Street promises a deal for growth, jobs and border security. But beyond the soundbites, what does a post-Brexit success story really look like?