On Monday 18th May I
voted in favour of the Immigration and Social
Security Co-Ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill.
The landmark bill will end free movement and give the
government full control of UK borders for the first time in four
decades.
A new immigration system was a key manifesto
commitment which I was democratically elected on.
It represents an important milestone in paving the way
for the new UK points-based immigration system.
The firmer and fairer points-based immigration system
will attract the brightest and best from around the
globe, prioritising those who come to Britain on the skills they have
to offer, not on the passport they hold.
Once passed, it will give the UK full control over who
comes to the country. By ending free movement, and bringing EU
citizens under UK immigration controls, the bill will enable
the points-based system from 1st January 2021.
The system will give top priority to those with the
highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and
academics. Overall levels of migration will be reduced, and the government will
end reliance on low-paid labour from abroad.
Those who want to come to the UK
and contribute to our economy and society, will benefit a more
streamlined, flexible and simplified system. The operation of the UK
border will be revolutionised and security tightened to stop serious
criminals entering the country.
The bill allows the government to make changes to
social security arrangements. This will help to ensure people making the UK
their home after 1st January 2021 pay into the system for a
reasonable period before they can access the benefit
system.
There is absolutely no question that EU citizens have
played and continue to play a vital role in our society and
economy. Many work in important areas such as the NHS
and in are care homes which are both on the front line on the fight against
COVID-19.
Many EU citizens very much consider the UK to be their
home and this clear from there having been 3.5 million applications the EU
Settlement scheme which will remain open until June 2021. We are
and will continue to be the most welcoming and friendly country in the
world.
I hope you agree that the 'best' who have immigrated here to serve in our NHS, social care sector, transport, public services and agricultural sector have been exemplarly in their work during the last 3 months. Without them it is hard to see how the nation could have survived C19. And we are still relying on them today.
ReplyDeleteCurrent government policy seems to measure worth only by the level of salary which can be earned. I hope to see you in future then arguing for a rise in the minimum wage within key workers employment as this would be an appropriate measure of their worth. It would be helpful to the future of these key roles if that wage level were set at the entry requirement for immigration.
Cherilyn, What a load of rubbish. Andy, what load of common sense.
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