Is reducing immigration wise?

The Tories announce their intention to increase draconian measures against immigration but even their allies reveal the folly.

Tory MP and former business minister, Anna Soubry, said, “The simple truth of it is that somewhere in the region of five per cent of migrant workers claim benefit, as opposed to more than double that from British born people.” She continued, “Areas where they feel forgotten, neglected and disillusioned and they blame immigrants who they’ve barely seen and experienced for their woes and their disaffection.”

Seamus Nevin, head of employment and skills policy at the Institute of Directors, said: The evidence is clear that migrants are a benefit to the economy. The UK has a record level of employment, so immigration is not hurting jobs.”

James Pitman, managing director of Higher Education UK and Europe said: “The Home Secretary said today that she will ‘level’ with the British people. Then she needs to be honest that a significant reduction in the number of international students will lead to upward pressure on the fees paid by British students, reduced investment in facilities and cause damage to local economies.”

A report from the LSE’s Centre for Economic Performance found new immigration restrictions on EU workers will damage business and not lead to greater job opportunities for British people.