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| UK net migration since 1991. |
In the 1990s, net immigration into Britain was in the tens of thousands. But under Labour, it rocketed and kept rising.
In towns like Harlow, this led to widespread concern and public anxiety about immigration. What happened in the Labour years is now well-known. In the boom decade, the number of people employed in the UK economy increased by 2.9 million. But 1.6 million of the jobs were taken by foreign workers. That is why many of our young people face unemployment today.
I am clear about this: The Government MUST make immigration work for ordinary British people. That is why I welcome what Ministers are doing, to get to grips with Labour's chaos. Strong action is now being taken to sort out the mess across the whole immigration system.
This Conservative-led Government is:
- Capping economic migration from parts of Europe, and the rest of the world.
- Reforming student visas.
- Shutting bogus colleges.
- Bringing in a Border Police Force.
- Introducing a tough English Language test.
In time, this action will reduce net immigration down to the lower levels of the 1990s, and also help to confront the horror of forced marriage.
This is essential. But we must do more than that. Immigration must also be positive: about attracting the small number of top-class people who will benefit Britain, people who help boost growth and jobs in towns like Harlow. We need top of the range professionals, surgeons, investors, footballers, technical specialists, entrepreneurs and exceptional artists and scientists. That is the kind of immigration system that I want to see.
by Robert Halfon MP - Working Hard for Harlow.
