Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has spoken in the House of Commons on the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, which sets out the UK’s new immigration legislation following Brexit. You can watch Richard’s statement here.
Richard was elected on a manifesto that pledged that the UK would move towards an ‘Australian-style points-based system to control immigration’, matching the commitments made to the British public in the 2016 Brexit Referendum, and allowing the Government to take back control of the Britain’s borders.
From 1st January 2021, free movement will end and a ‘firm and fair’ system introduced, to create an increasingly higher-skill and more productivity economy. This will ensure that immigration only occurs when someone has the skills Britain needs and stops the open-door immigration policy. The previous open-door system under the EU, still being defended by Labour as they vote against the Government, did not meet the needs of the British people. Overall levels of migration will be reduced and priority will be given to those with the greatest talents and only those who’ll make a positive contribution to the UK.
You can read more about the new legislation and policy, statistics and how implementation will work here.
Richard Holden said “I am delighted that this Conservative Government is fulfilling its promise to the people of North West Durham and the country that we made in the General Election last year. Now that we have finally left the EU, we can: make our own laws, control and protect our borders and deliver what the country needs and wants. Only those with the skills we need will now be able to come to the UK, via this sensible and firm immigration policy.
“By voting against this and favouring an open-door policy the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer are continuing to ignore the voices of people in North West Durham and their concerns about unlimited, uncontrolled immigration. Conservatives in government are listening to local people and delivering on our pledges, whether it’s delivering Brexit earlier this year, implementing new legislation like this, or investing more into levelling-up our communities in the North East.”
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