Menu
23/11/2010
Home Secretary To Cap Immigration
The Home Secretary is expected to announce a cap on immigration from countries outside the EU today.
In a statement to MPs, Theresa May is expected to slash the number of migrant workers entering the UK from around 200,000 a year to the "tens of thousands".
An interim cap was introduced in July cutting the number allowed into the country by 5% to 24,100, until April 2011, when the new limit will begin.
Many suggest today's figure could be higher, with overseas students and the relatives of people working in the UK being hardest hit, making way for businesses.
Vince Cable, Business Secretary also warned that businesses could also quit the UK if they are not able to hire the right skilled workers.
The Home Affairs Select Committee recently said the cap could make little difference to overall immigration while being bad for the economy.
However David Cameron insisted the cap would be implemented in a "business-friendly way".
In a recent interview the Prime Minister said: "Over recent years we've had net immigration into the UK of about 200,000, that is about two million extra people every 10 years.
"That is unacceptably high and has got to be brought down, but I'm quite convinced it is possible to bring it down.
"Business has been discussing with us their concerns and worries and I am quite convinced you can tackle immigration and control it properly at the same time as making sure business can move people around the world.”
Gerry Sutcliffe, Labour's Shadow Home Office Minister described the cap as the "worst of all worlds".
(BMcN/GK)
In a statement to MPs, Theresa May is expected to slash the number of migrant workers entering the UK from around 200,000 a year to the "tens of thousands".
An interim cap was introduced in July cutting the number allowed into the country by 5% to 24,100, until April 2011, when the new limit will begin.
Many suggest today's figure could be higher, with overseas students and the relatives of people working in the UK being hardest hit, making way for businesses.
Vince Cable, Business Secretary also warned that businesses could also quit the UK if they are not able to hire the right skilled workers.
The Home Affairs Select Committee recently said the cap could make little difference to overall immigration while being bad for the economy.
However David Cameron insisted the cap would be implemented in a "business-friendly way".
In a recent interview the Prime Minister said: "Over recent years we've had net immigration into the UK of about 200,000, that is about two million extra people every 10 years.
"That is unacceptably high and has got to be brought down, but I'm quite convinced it is possible to bring it down.
"Business has been discussing with us their concerns and worries and I am quite convinced you can tackle immigration and control it properly at the same time as making sure business can move people around the world.”
Gerry Sutcliffe, Labour's Shadow Home Office Minister described the cap as the "worst of all worlds".
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2012
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
Home Secretary Launches Appeal Over Abu Qatada
The Home Secretary has applied for permission to launch an appeal in the ongoing dispute regarding the future of Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada. Theresa May has lodged papers with the civil appeals office at the Court of Appeal ahead of a deadline later.
03 June 2013
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.
Cardiff Clamp-Down On 'Illegal' Workers
Three people have been arrested during a clampdown on illegal workers in Cardiff. Immigration Minister Mark Harper was present at a series of enforcement raids in Cardiff to witness first hand the work being done to apprehend those working and living in the UK illegally.
01 April 2008
Committee Recommends Immigration Cap
A parliamentary inquiry has concluded that immigration should be capped. The House of Lords committee denigrated the notion that immigration is of benefit to the economy.
Committee Recommends Immigration Cap
A parliamentary inquiry has concluded that immigration should be capped. The House of Lords committee denigrated the notion that immigration is of benefit to the economy.
04 December 2008
Jacqui Smith Defends Home Office Over Leaks
The Home Secretary has come under fire for defending the decision to call in police to investigate leaks from the Home Office.
Jacqui Smith Defends Home Office Over Leaks
The Home Secretary has come under fire for defending the decision to call in police to investigate leaks from the Home Office.
17 June 2004
Report published on ECAA visa furore
A series of measures to tighten the operation of the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) in Bulgaria and Romania were announced today as the Home Secretary published the findings of an investigation into allegations of abuse relating to self-employment.
Report published on ECAA visa furore
A series of measures to tighten the operation of the European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) in Bulgaria and Romania were announced today as the Home Secretary published the findings of an investigation into allegations of abuse relating to self-employment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
