New Spotlight Podcast Episode Unpacks the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper
Published: 16 May 2025
16 May 2025: In this episode of Spotlight, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale are joined by Professors Nasar Meer and Sergi Pardos-Prado from the University of Glasgow to unpack the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper.
New Spotlight Podcast Episode Unpacks the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper
The Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow has released a new episode of its Spotlight podcast, focusing on the UK Government’s recently published Immigration White Paper.
The episode brings together two leading voices from the university — Professor Nasar Meer and Professor Sergi Pardos-Prado — to provide expert analysis and challenge some of the assumptions and myths around immigration discourse.
Hosted by Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale, they discuss what the White Paper proposes and the politics surrounding its release.
They unpack:
- The politics behind the paper
- The use of rhetoric like "island of strangers"
- Some of the myths around immigration and the labour market
- Evidence-based insights on integration, workforce needs, and public services
Professor Pardos-Prado, examines the economic logic presented in the paper. He challenges some assumptions around skills shortages and the idea that restricting immigration will automatically boost domestic employment and integration outcomes.
Meanwhile, Professor Meer unpacks the racialised framing of the immigration debate and warns against the normalisation of exclusionary rhetoric in mainstream politics. He also draws attention to Scotland’s particular demographic and workforce needs, noting the different response from the Scottish Government.
With clear, evidence-based insight, the episode sheds light on current discourse around immigration.
Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.
Spotlight is a podcast focused on public policy and the political process, brought to you by the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow.
To ensure you never miss an episode, subscribe here: http://uofgspotlight.com
You can also access all previous episodes and series on our website.
For more information about the podcast, contact Kimberley Somerside, Centre for Public Policy: kimberley.somerside@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 16 May 2025
