In a bid to reignite the UK’s stagnant economy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans to introduce new visas targeting high-skilled workers in the artificial intelligence (AI) and life science sectors. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Reeves said an immigration white paper to be published later this year will include “routes for the highest skilled people, particularly in the areas of AI and life sciences.”
Unlocking the Potential of AI and Biotech
The move comes as the UK government looks to kickstart economic growth amid forecasts of a prolonged recession. AI and biotech are seen as key sectors that could drive innovation, productivity gains, and job creation in the coming years.
Reeves emphasized that while overall immigration numbers will be managed, Britain must remain open and attractive to top global talent:
We are going to look again at routes for the highest skilled people, particularly in the areas of AI and life sciences.
– Chancellor Rachel Reeves
Balancing Immigration and Growth
The Labour government faces a delicate balancing act on immigration. On one hand, public pressure to curb overall numbers remains high, with Keir Starmer previously criticizing the Conservatives’ “open borders experiment”. But business groups have long argued for a more flexible system to attract international talent and skills.
The new AI and biotech visas appear aimed at striking that balance – demonstrating that the UK is open for business in strategic high-growth sectors, while still exerting control over immigration more broadly. The full scope of the reforms will be detailed in the upcoming white paper.
A ‘Pro-Growth’ Economic Strategy
The visa announcement comes as Reeves and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds make the rounds at Davos, pitching Britain’s new economic strategy to global executives and investors. The pair have repeatedly stressed their “pro-growth” and “pro-business” agenda, in a shift from the Labour party’s historic socialist roots.
The answer can’t always be no, and that has been the problem in Britain for a long time.
– Chancellor Rachel Reeves on infrastructure and growth
That business-friendly tilt has been on display in several recent moves:
- Reeves hinted at green-lighting a third runway at Heathrow Airport, a major infrastructure project long-opposed by environmentalists
- The government replaced the chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) with former Amazon UK boss Doug Gurr, signaling a regulatory shift to prioritize growth and innovation
- Ministers called in top regulators last week and urged them to retool their approach to boost growth, especially in tech and finance
When asked if she was “relaxed” about the prospect of people becoming wealthy, as the Labour governments of Tony Blair’s era professed to be, Reeves replied: “Absolutely.”
Turning the Page on Stagnation
After years of anemic growth, compounded by Brexit disruption and the pandemic, kickstarting the economy has taken on new urgency. Britain is the only G7 economy still smaller than it was pre-Covid, and living standards are forecast to fall at the steepest rate since records began in the 1950s.
Against that backdrop, Reeves and her Cabinet colleagues are betting that an unapologetically pro-business and innovation-focused approach, even if it means embracing wealth creation and softening the regulatory touch, is Britain’s best chance at reviving growth. The AI and biotech visas mark one step in that direction, with more details to come as the government fleshes out its strategy in the months ahead. All eyes will be on the upcoming white paper for more clarity on Britain’s proposed 21st-century immigration system.
But if the early moves are any indication, the Labour government appears determined to turn the page on a decade of economic stagnation – and write a new chapter for Britain on the global stage. Reeves’ message in Davos was unmistakable: under Labour, the UK is open for business, innovation, and talent once again. The AI and biotech visa schemes aim to put some policy meat on those rhetorical bones. The big question: will it be enough to truly reboot Britain for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly competitive global economy? Only time will tell. But for now, the world has been put on notice – Britain is ready to compete, and the battle for top talent is on.
The answer can’t always be no, and that has been the problem in Britain for a long time.
– Chancellor Rachel Reeves on infrastructure and growth
That business-friendly tilt has been on display in several recent moves:
- Reeves hinted at green-lighting a third runway at Heathrow Airport, a major infrastructure project long-opposed by environmentalists
- The government replaced the chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) with former Amazon UK boss Doug Gurr, signaling a regulatory shift to prioritize growth and innovation
- Ministers called in top regulators last week and urged them to retool their approach to boost growth, especially in tech and finance
When asked if she was “relaxed” about the prospect of people becoming wealthy, as the Labour governments of Tony Blair’s era professed to be, Reeves replied: “Absolutely.”
Turning the Page on Stagnation
After years of anemic growth, compounded by Brexit disruption and the pandemic, kickstarting the economy has taken on new urgency. Britain is the only G7 economy still smaller than it was pre-Covid, and living standards are forecast to fall at the steepest rate since records began in the 1950s.
Against that backdrop, Reeves and her Cabinet colleagues are betting that an unapologetically pro-business and innovation-focused approach, even if it means embracing wealth creation and softening the regulatory touch, is Britain’s best chance at reviving growth. The AI and biotech visas mark one step in that direction, with more details to come as the government fleshes out its strategy in the months ahead. All eyes will be on the upcoming white paper for more clarity on Britain’s proposed 21st-century immigration system.
But if the early moves are any indication, the Labour government appears determined to turn the page on a decade of economic stagnation – and write a new chapter for Britain on the global stage. Reeves’ message in Davos was unmistakable: under Labour, the UK is open for business, innovation, and talent once again. The AI and biotech visa schemes aim to put some policy meat on those rhetorical bones. The big question: will it be enough to truly reboot Britain for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly competitive global economy? Only time will tell. But for now, the world has been put on notice – Britain is ready to compete, and the battle for top talent is on.
