It would be no understatement to say that whenever I’m out, whether that’s knocking on doors or holding one of my open surgeries, the issue of immigration is brought to my attention.
It’s not, as those on the opposite side of the debate to me would have you believe, from a place of malice. But rather genuine concern that the number of people coming to the UK is just too high. And I agree.
Stopping the small boat crossings is a must. It’s why I support it being one of the Prime Minister’s top 5 priorities. The figures are down but more has to be done and so following the frustrating decision of the Supreme Court last month, the Home Secretary this week visited Rwanda to secure a new treaty. This is about alleviating the concerns of the court and making sure flights take-off. It’s vital the merry go round of legal challenges is put to an end and so I’ll be reading the detail and engaging with the Government on it. Because a long-lasting solution has to be found.
The figures released the other week showing the numbers of those arriving via legal routes has also been an issue raised with me. For far too long the numbers have been climbing. Over 700,000 net last year alone. This level of immigration simply cannot continue - whatever some economists, open border NGOs or big business looking for cheap labour may claim. It is not what the British people want. Nor is it sustainable.
We need an immigration system which is laser focused on attracting the best and brightest from around the world - whilst also taking into consideration public services, housing and community cohesion.
You elected me on a manifesto to reduce the level of immigration. And so, I welcome the Home Secretary’s new five-point plan to alter the system so that we bring these numbers down.
Under the changes foreign care workers will no longer be permitted to bring family members into the UK. The scheme allowing companies to pay overseas staff 20 per cent below the going rate in shortage areas will be scrapped. And crucially the threshold required for skilled foreign workers to get a visa will rise to £38,700.
The UK will always remain a welcoming place. But the numbers have to come down for our immigration system to be sustainable. That’s exactly what I’m pushing for in Parliament on behalf of the silent majority of residents who know this issue needs tackling.
