UK Immigration system overhaul announced
https://www.politico.eu/article/ther...ration-system/
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics...urce=facebook#
Quote:
Originally Posted by Politico & BBC
Prime Minister May has pledged to overhaul Britain’s immigration system, ending freedom of movement and replacing it with a new visa regime that treats EU citizens no differently to those from elsewhere in the world, No. 10 Downing Street said Monday evening.
In a statement, the British PM said a single new system would be introduced to reduce low-skilled immigration from the EU.
The cabinet has agreed last week on the policy change when EU Freedom of Movement no longer applies to Britain following it's exit. The agreement in principle follows a recommendation of the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which was also backed by Labour.
The cabinet unanimously supported a system based on skills rather than nationality, a source told the BBC.
The announcement, though widely expected in both in the U.K. and in Brussels, risks further antagonizing EU leaders ahead of a crucial final few months of Brexit negotiations. The plan will also likely face criticism from those who argue the U.K. should use the immigration system to negotiate preferential trade deals once it has left the European Union.
According to the statement, the U.K. will introduce new “e-gate visa checks” for tourists and business travelers coming to the country for short stay trips from “low risk” countries.
In words released alongside the statement, May said: “Two years ago, the British public voted to leave the European Union and take back control of our borders. When we leave we will bring in a new immigration system that ends freedom of movement once and for all. For the first time in decades, it will be this country that controls and chooses who we want to come here.”
FINALLY.
A few years ago when it was just Ukip advocating this, the slurs were being hauled such as racist, xenophobe - you name it. Yet here we are, with Her Majesty's Government enacting it. With control restored to Parliament, the issue should melt away as our government will now be 100% accountable for who comes here and who works here. A triumph for democracy. Yes to controlled, sensible immigration.
Taking Back Control. (sunglasses)
